What should you know about heart failure nice?

Heart failure can cause breathlessness, tiredness, a cough, ankle swelling or a fast or irregular heartbeat. A person may notice symptoms during activity first, then during ordinary tasks or rest as the condition changes. These symptoms can also have other causes, so they do not diagnose heart failure on their own.

A clinician may review your history, examine you, check blood pressure and heart rhythm, and arrange tests such as blood tests, an electrocardiogram or heart imaging. High blood pressure and atrial fibrillation can contribute to heart strain, so they may be assessed alongside heart failure.

Take prescribed medicines as directed and do not stop or change them without advice. Keep a record of breathlessness, swelling, cough, energy and palpitations, including what makes each symptom better or worse. Bring this record and your medicine list to appointments.

A chronic disease review can check symptoms, blood pressure, kidney function, medicines and day-to-day support. Ask what activity is suitable for you, how to manage fluids and salt, and which changes should prompt a call. Treatment is adjusted to your symptoms and test results.

Seek emergency help for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, confusion, blue lips, or a new collapse. Sit upright while waiting and follow any emergency plan you have been given. Contact your healthcare team promptly if swelling, cough, tiredness or breathlessness is clearly worsening, or if you cannot lie flat comfortably.

Which type of heart failure do I have, and what do my tests show? How should I take each medicine? What symptoms should I track at home, and when should I contact the practice? Is a chronic disease review appropriate for my follow-up?