Heart failure treatment

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Wed, 28/05/2008 - 3:17pm

Chronic heart failure although life-threatening can be managed. Treatment of heart failure will depend on the cause of the heart failure, severity of the symptoms and stage of the condition.

There is no cure for heart failure but the condition can be managed by medications and lifestyle changes.

Heart failure symptoms can be exacerbated by stress, ill-health or infection. When heart failure symptoms suddenly worsen hospitalisation is often required.

Medications can help manage the symptoms of heart failure. People with heart failure should follow their medication regime carefully and monitor their heart failure symptoms.

Medications can reduce the need for frequent hospital visits and improve quality of life for people with heart failure.

Medications for heart failure work by:

Encouraging the heart muscle to contract more effectively.
Ridding the body of excess fluid and sodium.
Correcting heart rhythm disturbance.
Opening up the blood vessels and decreasing the workload of the heart.
Treating coronary artery disease.

For some people with chronic heart failure a pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator may be needed to help the heart function more effectively.

In extreme cases of heart failure a heart transplant may be necessary.

Heart failure and lifestyle

Lifestyle changes are an important part of managing chronic heart failure.

People with chronic heart failure should consult their doctor about how they can make better lifestyle choices. A doctor will write an individualised care plan for someone with heart failure.

Measures to manage chronic heart failure will include:

Eating a nutritious diet
Restricting fluid and salt intake
Avoiding alcohol and caffeinated drinks
Quitting smoking
Engaging in physical activity

Heart failure can cause the body to retain excess fluid. People with heart failure need to be vigilant about their weight and fluid intake.

Extra weight could be a sign that excess fluid is building up in the body. People with heart failure need to weigh themselves daily (as advised by their doctor) and notify a doctor when they put on extra kilos.

Excess salt in the diet can also cause fluid retention and worsening of heart failure symptoms. People with heart failure will be advised to limit their salt intake and avoid salty packaged foods.

Physical activity can help strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system. It can also help improve heart failure symptoms.

However, it is important to follow an individualised exercise program as some forms of exercise are not recommended for people with heart failure.

A doctor will recommend a suitable exercise program or special individualised cardiac rehabilitation program.

Monitoring heart failure symptoms

Monitoring heart failure symptoms is a vital part of chronic heart failure management. People living with heart failure need to be aware of the warning signs of worsening heart failure or any new symptoms and know what to do.

For some people heart failure happens suddenly or symptoms quickly worsen requiring emergency treatment in hospital.

Your doctor should write an action plan with a detailed account of what symptoms to look out for and what you should do.

Keep this in a prominent place and inform all family members and carers.

Symptoms of chronic heart failure can generally be managed and quality of life can be improved.

How well a person responds to treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the heart failure and if it can be corrected.

Helpful resources

For more information about heart failure visit the Australian Heart Foundation website at www.heartfoundation.org.au or call their heart health information line on 1300 36 27 87.