Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)...Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are a type of drug prescribed for people with systolic heart failure (HF) caused by left ventricular dysfunction. ARBs can be used by people with...
Alternative Therapies for Heart Failure...Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a term often used to describe herbs, vitamins, non-herbal dietary products, and various kinds of therapies that are used outside the traditional practice of...
Aldosterone Antagonists...Aldosterone antagonists are a type of drug prescribed for people with heart failure and high blood pressure. Aldosterone antagonists can lower the risk of sudden cardiac death by about 20...
Acute Versus Chronic Heart Failure...A healthy heart pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. When the heart is not able to do its job, this is known as heart failure (HF). HF can develop suddenly...
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors...Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a type of drug prescribed for people with systolic heart failure (HF) caused by left ventricular dysfunction. ACE inhibitors can be used by people with...
Symptom: Swelling and Sudden Weight Gain...Heart failure (HF) is an increasingly common health problem. In fact, it is the most common reason people over age 65 in the United States have to stay in a...
Symptom: Shortness of Breath...Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, is a common symptom of heart failure (HF). It is normal for healthy individuals to experience shortness of breath when engaged in vigorous activity...
Symptoms: Poor Appetite and Nausea...Many symptoms of heart failure (HF) are easy to recognize. For example, shortness of breath, swelling, and getting tired easily are all common symptoms. But there are some symptoms that...
Symptom: Increased Heart Rate...The warning signs of heart failure (HF) are different for everyone. One possible sign of HF is a rapid heartbeat at rest. A resting heart rate over 100 beats per...
Symptom: Fatigue...Fatigue can be described in a number of ways. Some think of it as extreme tiredness, others feel weary, having a lack of energy, or simply being exhausted after physical...
Symptom: Confusion...Confusion is a common symptom of heart failure (HF). It may appear as memory loss or impaired thinking. A caregiver or relative often notices confusion before the person with HF...
Symptom: Chest Pain/Pressure...Experiencing chest pain can be frightening, especially if it comes on suddenly. Chest pain and pressure can be caused by many things besides a heart attack, such as indigestion, pneumonia...
Stress Management and Heart Failure...Can managing stress prevent heart disease? According to researchers, when stress is excessive, it can contribute to high blood pressure, asthma, ulcers, and other medical conditions. When someone is under...
Special Populations Affected by Heart Failure...Anyone can develop heart failure (HF), whether you are young or old, male or female, or have a family history of heart disease. Specific populations are at risk for certain...
Self Monitoring and Heart Failure...If you have heart failure (HF) that has been treated with medications, surgical procedures, or medical devices, chances are you have been given instructions on how to manage your care...
Regular Exercise and Heart Failure...Exercise is good for you. It is a phrase we have all heard before. Just like the following adages that we have heard throughout our lives: “Eat your vegetables," "Drink...
Palliative Care and Hospice for People with Heart Failure...Traditional medical care for heart failure (HF) is aimed at improving heart function and/or delaying progression with medications, and managing symptoms. People with HF are at risk for sudden clinical...
Other Comorbidities...A comorbidity is a health condition that happens at the same time as another one. Commonly known comorbidities of heart disease include kidney damage, obesity, and diabetes. But other conditions...
Myths & Misconceptions About Heart Failure...A heart failure (HF) diagnosis can be frightening. There are common myths and misconceptions about the risk factors for HF. Understanding the facts can help you lead a heart-healthy lifestyle...
Medication Management for People with Heart Failure...Medicines and lifestyle changes will be part of your heart failure (HF) treatment plan. Medication can improve your heart function, delay the progression of your heart failure, and/or prevent a...