Donate

Understanding Heart Failure

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure (HF) is a condition where the heart does not pump blood effectively, making it harder for your body to get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. While heart failure is a serious condition, with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, many people live well with it.

Heart Failure Symptoms

  • Shortness of breath – Especially during activity or when lying down.
  • Fatigue – Feeling more tired than usual, even after resting.
  • Swelling – In the legs, ankles, feet, or stomach due to fluid buildup.
  • Rapid heartbeat – A racing or irregular heartbeat.
  • Sudden weight gain – An increase of 2-3 lbs in a day or 5 lbs in a week due to fluid retention.

Early Detection Matters

Detecting heart failure early helps prevent serious complications like hospitalizations or worsening symptoms. Regular check-ups and knowing your risk factors can help with early diagnosis.

Risk Factors Include:

High blood pressure

Diabetes

Coronary artery disease

Family history of heart failure

Obesity or an inactive lifestyle

How is Heart Failure Diagnosed?

NT-proBNP Blood Test

Measures a hormone released by the heart when under stress. Higher levels indicate heart failure.

Echocardiogram (Echo)

An ultrasound of the heart to check how well it pumps blood.

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)

Checks heart rhythm and electrical activity.

Stress Test

Monitors heart function during physical activity.

Treatment Options for Heart Failure

Medications

  • ACE Inhibitors / ARBs / ARNIs – Help relax blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump
  • Beta-blockers – Slow the heart rate and improve function
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists (MRAs) – Help reduce fluid buildup and prevent further heart damage. Examples: Spironolactone, Eplerenone
  • Diuretics (Water Pills) – Reduce fluid buildup to relieve swelling and breathing problems
  • SGLT2 Inhibitors – Newer medications that improve heart failure outcomes, even in people without diabetes

Lifestyle Tips

  • Eat a heart-healthy diet – Reduce salt, avoid processed foods, and focus on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
  • Stay active – Gentle activities like walking can strengthen the heart
  • Monitor symptoms daily – Keep track of weight, swelling, and breathing to detect changes early
  • Quit smoking & limit alcohol – Reduces strain on the heart

10 Questions to Ask Your Heart Failure Specialist

Managing heart failure means being active in your healthcare. Asking the right questions can help you understand your condition better, make informed decisions, and improve your life. Here are important questions to discuss with your doctor:

1. What is causing my heart failure?

Understanding what's behind your heart failure is important. Ask your doctor if it's due to something like high blood pressure, blocked arteries, or another cause. Knowing the reason can help you manage your treatment plan better.

Heart failure has different stages. Ask your doctor which stage you're in and what it means for your treatment. This will help you know how serious your condition is and what care you need.

There are different treatments for heart failure, including medicines, devices, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Ask your doctor about the options available to you, and understand the benefits and side effects of each one.

Ask your doctor how to track your heart failure symptoms at home. Find out what to watch for like: changes in weight, blood pressure, or new symptoms. This way you can catch problems early and get help. Visit Clinic Resources for our easy to follow self-management toolkit.

Lifestyle changes can improve your heart health. Ask your doctor for advice on diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol use. These changes can help you manage your heart failure more effectively.

Ask how your medications might change your daily routine. Learn about side effects, any interactions with other medicines, and any precautions you need to take.

Ask your doctor about what types of exercise are safe for you. It's important to stay active, but you need to know what activities are okay and which ones to avoid.

Ask your doctor about helpful resources like patient education programs, support groups, and counseling. These can provide emotional support and practical help in managing your heart failure. Visit the HeartLife's Facebook Group to meet others living with Heart issues.

Regular check-ups are important for tracking your progress. Ask how often you should come in and what to expect during follow-up visits.

It's important to know what to do if your symptoms worsen. Ask what steps to take if you experience things like more shortness of breath, weight gain, swelling, or extreme tiredness. Knowing when to get help can prevent complications.

Don't forget to write down other questions you may have, and bring them to your appointments. Your doctor is here to help you live well with heart failure.

Need more information?

Visit the HeartLife Academy for comprehensive video resources about heart failure and other cardiovascular health.

Check it out

Get the Pamphlet

Our Support Group

The HeartLife Foundation is a patient-driven charity whose mission is to transform the quality of life for people living with heart disease by engaging, educating, and empowering a global community to create lasting solutions and build healthier lives. 

Join our Help for Hearts closed Facebook group to get support and share ideas.

English
FranÇais

Women @ HEartlife

The HeartLife Foundation is proud to support the Canadian Women with Medical Heart Issues Facebook group. 

HeartLife joins the mission of this group, lead by our HeartLife Champion Jackie, to inspire and support women living with heart disease to Live Bravely & Love Boldly every day. We are stronger together.

women's group