First-line treatment for heart failure

Heart failure means the heart is not pumping or filling effectively enough for the body's needs. A clinician reviews breathlessness, cough, fatigue, palpitations and swollen ankles, then checks blood pressure, heart rhythm, weight, lungs and circulation. Tests may include blood work, an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram. Treatment commonly uses a combination of medicines selected for the type of heart failure, kidney function, blood pressure and potassium level. A water tablet may ease congestion, while other medicines protect heart function over time.

Take medicines at the prescribed times and keep a record of symptoms, weight changes and blood pressure if your clinician recommends it. Do not stop heart medicines or alter fluid and salt intake without advice. Attend a chronic disease review so kidney tests, electrolytes, rhythm and dose changes can be checked. Ask for a personalised activity plan and address conditions such as hypertension or atrial fibrillation that can worsen symptoms.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness at rest, chest pressure, fainting, blue lips, sudden confusion or coughing pink frothy fluid. Seek prompt medical advice for rapidly increasing swelling, a sudden need for extra pillows, a new irregular heartbeat or a clear deterioration in exercise tolerance.

Ask which type of heart failure you have, what each medicine does, when kidney and blood tests are needed, how to recognise fluid overload, and what activity, salt or fluid advice applies to you.