Heart Failure

What is heart failure?

Heart failure is the term used when the heart becomes less efficient at pumping blood round the body.  In most cases heart failure occurs as a result of damage to the heart muscle, which weakens the pumping action of the heart.

What causes heart failure?

The most common cause of heart failure is a previous heart attack.  However, heart failure can also result from conditions which put an extra workload on the heart. These conditions include high blood pressure, valvular heart disease and cardiomyopathies. Excessive alcohol intake or viral infections can cause enlargement of the heart which may also lead to heart failure.

What are the signs and symptoms of heart failure?

The most common symptoms of heart failure are breathlessness, tiredness and swollen feet and ankles.

How is heart failure diagnosed?

Your doctor will want to assess and examine you and will ask about your medical history and the symptoms that you have been having. You may need to have other tests which may include blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram.

How is heart failure treated?

At the moment there is no cure for heart failure. However advances in treatment mean that the outlook for people with heart failure has improved dramatically in recent years. There are many things that can be done to control and improve the condition by taking medication or making lifestyle changes.

You may have to take a combination of medicines to help improve your symptoms. For more information please see our medicines section or our booklet Medicines for the heart.

There are other treatments and procedures that may help to treat heart failure and improve symptoms. For more information on these please see our Heart Failure Plan - a self-help guide for anyone with heart failure, and for their family and friends, Heart Failure DVD/video and Living with heart failure booklet.  

How can I help to control my symptoms?

Symptoms can often be treated effectively and your outlook improved by a combination of changes to your lifestyle, such as:

• weighing yourself regularly
• watching the amount of fluid you have each day - check with your GP or nurse who much fluid you should be having a day
• cutting down on salt
• eating a healthy balanced diet
• drinking alcohol only in moderation
• stopping smoking
• keeping active
• maintaining a healthy weight

For more information on all these lifestyle factors, please see our Heart Failure Plan, Heart Failure DVD/video and Living with heart failure booklet.

Heart failure and your quality of life

Symptoms of heart failure can sometimes make it difficult for people to continue with their every day activities. You should talk to your doctor or nurse about how you are feeling. They may be able to adjust your treatment to help improve your quality of life. Some people find that their mood is affected and that they worry about their future. Your doctor or nurse will be able to provide you with guidance and arrange for any support you may need. You may also find it helpful to join a heart support group where you can talk to other people with heart conditions. To find where your nearest heart support group is, please call the Heart HelpLine on 08450 70 80 70.  

Caring for someone who has heart failure can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. If you are caring for someone with heart failure it is important that you look after your own health and make sure you get regular breaks. Remember that doctors and nurses and local voluntary groups can all help. As for support whenever you feel you need it. For more information please see our section Caring for someone with a heart condition. 

Further information

Heart Failure Plan - a self-help guide for people with heart failure, and for their family and friends
Heart Failure - your questions answered DVD/video
Living with heart failure booklet
Caring for someone with a heart condition booklet

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