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ALL ABOUT HEART HEALTH

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a long-term condition. It often happens when the heart is too weak or stiff to pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, your body does not get enough of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

If the heart is not pumping enough, extra fluid can build up in the lungs and other spots, like your legs, ankles, or stomach. This condition is also known as congestive heart failure (CHF). More than six million adults in the U.S. have it. It is also a top reason why people over the age of 65 go to the hospital.
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How Can I Manage Heart Failure?

Finding heart failure early and starting treatment right away helps you live a better and happier life. Taking care of your heart involves two main things: taking your medications and building healthy habits. Together, these can help you feel stronger, keep your symptoms under control, and help you stay healthy for a long time.


Recognizing Heart Failure Signs and Symptoms

Heart failure symptoms often develop gradually and may not seem serious at first. Common signs include:

  • Feeling unusually tired or weak.
  • Swelling in your legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen.
  • Shortness of breath, especially during everyday activities or while lying down.
  • A fast or irregular heartbeat.
  • Feeling bloated, nauseous, or losing your appetite.

There are Four Stages of Heart Failure

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Stage A : At Risk

You do not have heart failure yet, but you have health risks that could lead to it later. Risks can be high blood pressure or diabetes.

What you can do:
Work with us and your doctor to keep your blood pressure and blood sugar at healthy levels. Taking good care of your health now can help slow down heart failure from starting or getting worse. 

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Stage B : Pre-Heart Failure

Your heart has some minor changes, but you still feel fine and do not have symptoms.

What you can do:
Stay on track with your medicines and visits to help keep your heart muscle strong.

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Stage C : Heart Failure

Your heart muscles have some changes, and you are feeling symptoms of heart failure. You might feel tired or find it hard to breathe during everyday activities.

What you can do:
Enroll in our virtual Heart Health Program and work with your dedicated health coach and nurse. It is important to watch your diet, like the amount of salt in your food, and keep track of your symptoms every day. Make sure you stay on track with your medicines and care team.

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Stage D : Advanced Heart Failure

Your heart is struggling a lot. You feel symptoms even when you are resting. You may need special treatments or a special care team.

What you can do:
Talk closely with your heart team about special plans and treatments. 

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What Heart Failure Medications Can Help You Feel Better and Stay Healthy?

The medications prescribed for heart failure may help you stay active and feel good. It is important to take your medications as directed. A daily or weekly pillbox can help keep them organized. Some heart medicines that may be prescribed include:

 

Medicine Group Common Medicine Name What it does for your heart
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors Lisinopril (Zestril), Enalapril (Vasotec) Relaxes blood vessels, lowers blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) Losartan (Cozaar), Valsartan (Diovan) Works like ACE inhibitors. May be used as an alternative to ACE inhibitors for some people.
ARNIs Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto) Helps the heart pump better and helps the body get rid of extra salt.
Beta blockers Carvedilol (Coreg), Metoprolol (Toprol XL) Slows your heart rate to give your heart rest and lowers blood pressure.
Diuretics (“water pills”) Furosemide (Lasix), Bumetanide (Bumex) Helps the body get rid of extra salt (sodium) and extra fluid to lower swelling.
Aldosterone receptor blockers Spironolactone (Aldactone), Eplerenone (Inspra) Helps the body get rid of extra salt and fluid while keeping a healthy mineral called potassium.
Digoxin Digoxin (Lanoxin) Helps the heart pump with more force and can reduce symptoms of heart failure.
Hydralazine and nitrates (isosorbide) Hydralazine (Apresoline) & Isosorbide (Isordil) Relaxes blood vessels to help blood flow and can relieve chest pain.
Potassium supplements Potassium Chloride (K-Dur, Klor-Con) Replaces potassium that your body might lose when taking water pills.