What should you know about bhf heart failure?

The heart may become weak or stiff, so blood moves less effectively and fluid can build up. This can cause breathlessness during activity or when lying flat, tiredness, a cough, and swelling around the ankles or legs. Palpitations may occur, especially when an abnormal rhythm such as atrial fibrillation is present. Hypertension and coronary artery disease are among the problems that can strain the heart over time.

Symptoms can develop gradually or worsen suddenly. Heart failure is different from a heart attack, but either situation needs medical attention when symptoms are new or severe. A clinician may assess your history, blood pressure, heart rhythm, examination findings and tests to identify the type and contributing causes.

Take prescribed medicines consistently and do not stop or change them without medical advice. Keep appointments so treatment can be adjusted as symptoms, blood pressure, kidney function or heart rhythm change. Weighing yourself regularly can help reveal a new fluid change when your clinician has advised this, particularly if it is paired with increasing swelling or breathlessness.

Ask your care team how much salt and fluid is suitable for you, which activity is appropriate, and how to monitor symptoms. Avoid smoking and moderate alcohol according to personalised advice. A chronic disease review can bring medicines, tests, vaccinations, lifestyle support and an action plan together.

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, blue or grey lips, new severe confusion, or coughing up pink frothy sputum. Seek prompt medical advice for a noticeable increase in ankle swelling, breathlessness at rest, a sudden change in weight, or a fast or irregular heartbeat with dizziness. Keep your clinician's emergency instructions accessible.

Ask which type of heart failure you have, what your medicines are for, how to respond to changing symptoms, what exercise and fluid intake are suitable, and when your next review or test is needed.