Heart failure
It's very important to take good care of yourself if you have heart failure.
Some of the main things you'll be advised to do are outlined below.
It's very important that you take any prescribed medication, even if you begin to feel better. Some medicines are designed to protect or heal your heart. If you don't take them, they can't help.
It's also useful to read the information leaflet that comes with the medication about possible interactions with other medicines or supplements.
Check with your care team if you plan to take any over-the-counter remedies, such as painkillers or nutritional supplements. These can sometimes interfere with your medication.
Also speak to your care team if you have any concerns about the medication you're taking, or if you're experiencing any side effects.
Ahealthy, balanced diet can help improve your symptoms and general health.
A balanced diet should include:
You may also be given advice about dietary changes that can specifically help with heart failure, such as limiting the amount of fluid you drink.
Regular physical activity can also help improve your symptoms and general health.
You may find exercise very difficult if you have heart failure, particularly if it's severe. Try to do whatever you can without overexerting yourself, and make sure you rest often.
You may be advised to get involved in a cardiac rehabilitation programme, which will usually involve specialised exercise classes for people with heart conditions.
If you smoke, stopping smoking can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of many other health problems.
Speak to your GP or an NHS stop smoking service if you think you'll need help quitting. They can provide support and, if necessary, prescribe stop smoking treatments .
You can usually continue to drink alcohol if you have heart failure, but it's advisable not to exceed the recommended limitsof more than 14 alcohol units a week.
If your heart failure is directly related to drinking alcohol, you may be advised to stop entirely.
Heart failure can put a significant strain on your body and mean that you're more vulnerable to infections.
Everyone with heart failure is encouraged tohavethe annualflu jab and the one-off pneumococcal vaccination .
You can get these vaccinations at your GP surgery ora local pharmacy that offers a vaccination service.
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Cardiac rehabilitation is a specialist service led by healthcare professionals for people with heart conditions.
The programmes vary widely across the country, but most cover one or more of the following:
They're usually run in hospitals or community clinics by cardiac rehabilitation teams, which include various healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and exercise specialists.
Before you start, you will have an assessment to find out how much exercise you can safely do. A programme of exercise can then be tailored specifically for you. You will be encouraged to start slowly and gently, and gradually increase the amount of exercise you do.
The education part of the programme will give you information on healthy eating and practical ways to reduce the risk of further damage to your heart.
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You'll have regular contact with your care team to monitor your condition.
These appointments may involve:
It's also a good opportunity to ask any questions you have or raise any other issues you'd like to discuss with your care team.
You may be asked to help monitor your condition between appointments. For example, your care team may suggest weighing yourself regularly so any changes in your weight, which could be a sign of a problem, are picked up quickly.
Contact your GP or care team if your symptoms are getting worse or you develop new symptoms.
Your care team will advise you about when and where to seek advice if there's a potential problem.
Having heart failure shouldn't prevent you travelling or going on holiday, as long as you feel well enough and your condition is well controlled. But check with your doctor before you travel.
It may be advisable to avoid travelling to high altitudesor hot, humid places because this may put extra strain on your heart.
Flying won't usually cause problems, but if your heart failure is severe, your legs and ankles may swell andbreathing may become more difficult.
If you're flying, inform the airline of your condition. They may provide a wheelchair or electric car so you can avoid having to walk long distances at the airport.
If you're travelling and sitting still for a long time, either in a car, coach or on a plane, you should do simple exercises to reduce the risk ofblood clots . Wearing flight socks or compression stockings while flying should also help.
It may be a good idea to take two sets of medication with you when you travel. Carry them in different places in case you lose one, and make a list of the medication you take and what it's for.
Having heart failure should not stop you getting travel insurance, but you may have to find a specialist company that will insure you.
You can usually continue to drive if you have heart failure, as long as you don't have any symptoms that could affect your ability to drive, such as a history of fainting.
You don't need to inform theDriver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you have a group 1 licence for cars and motorbikes if your ability to drive is unaffected, although it's a good idea to tell your insurance company.
You should tell the DVLA about your condition if you have a group 2 licence for lorries and buses. If you have symptoms, you may be disqualified from driving these vehicles.
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Being diagnosed with heart failure can be a shock. Some people feel scared, anxious, depressed or angry. These feelings are completely normal.
Some people also become Depression . Speak to your GP or care team if you feel unable to enjoy the things you used to, orcope with everyday life.
You may find your physical relationship with your partner changes after your diagnosis because of worries about having a heart attack , or because you lose interest in sexorare unable to get an erection, which can sometimes be caused by heart failure medication.
You can discuss any worries or problems you have with your GP or care team if you feel unable to talk to your family or friends. They will be able to advise you and arrange support.
You may also find it helpful to join a heart support group, where you can talk to other people with heart conditions whose circumstances are similar to yours.
You can call the British Heart Foundation's heart helpline on 0300 330 3311 to find out about support groups in your area.
If you're well enough, you can keep working for as long as you feel able. With the right support, staying in work can make you feel better and give you financial security.
Talk to your employer as soon as you feel your heart failure is affecting your ability to do your job so you can find a solution that suits both of you. For example, it may be possible for you to work part-time.
The Disability Discrimination Act1995 requires employers to make reasonable adjustments to working practices or premises to help a person with a disability.
Where possible, this might include changing or modifying tasks, altering work patterns, installing special equipment, allowing time off to attend appointments, or helping with travel to work.
If you can't continue working as a result of heart failure, you may be able to claim disability and incapacity benefits.
People over the age of 65 who are severely disabled may qualify for a type of disability benefit called Attendance Allowance .
Find out more about money issues on the British Heart Foundation website.
Carers may also be entitled to some benefits, depending on their involvement with the person with heart failure. You should find out whether you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to.
Heart failure can be disabling and distressing, and many people with the condition find it a huge relief to share their concerns and fears with someone.
As a carer, if youcanattend GP and hospital appointments with the person with heart failure, you can encourage them to ask the right questions while you note down the answers.
You could also provide the doctor with additional information or insights into the person's condition, which can be helpful for planning the right treatment.
Another way you can help is by watching for warning signs that the person's heart failure is getting worse, or if they are not responding to treatment. Contact the person's doctor if you notice a new symptom or their current symptoms are getting worse.
Signs to look out for include:
See the care and support guide for information about all aspects of caring for someone with a long-term condition.
Heart failure usually gets gradually worse over time. It may eventually reach a point where it becomes very severe and it's unlikely the person will live much longer.
Palliative care will usuallybegin when heart failure reaches this stage. This involves treatment to help you feel as comfortable as possible,as well aspsychological, spiritual and social support for both you and your family.
You can choose whether you want palliative care and where you would like it to be provided. It can be provided:
It's a good idea to plan foryour carein advance, as you may not be able to make decisions about your treatment when you become severely ill.
Things you will need to consider include:
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Pathologies of the heart are characterized by a reduced potential energy of the heart. However, the heart still attempts to withstand this phenomenon via certain mechanisms, which affect the heart muscle and cause the following cardiomyopathies.
Heart failure is a condition which often can be accompanied by complications that range from mild to severe and life-threatening.
There are many heart failure classifications being used. These classifications are used in order to help with a better understanding of the different stages and the treatment of the various stages.
Heart failure (HF), often referred to as congestive heart failure (CHF), occurs when the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to maintain blood flow to meet the body's needs. Heart failure doesn't mean your heart has stopped working it just needs some support to help it work better.
The symptoms of heart failure can vary from person to person. They may start suddenly or develop gradually over weeks or months. The most common symptoms of heart failure are: shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen ankles and legs, etc.
If you have symptoms of heart failure , your GP will ask you to describe them in detail. They will also carry out a physical examination. Tests you may have to diagnose heart failure include: blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), an echocardiogram, etc.
If you've been diagnosed with heart failure, making healthy lifestyle changes can help relieve your symptoms and reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill. Most people with heart failure are treated with medication. Often you'll need to take two or three different medicines.
It's very important to take good care of yourself if you have heart failure. Some of the main things you'll be advised to do are; take your medication, have a healthy diet, exercise regularly, stop smoking, make regular reviews.