What should you know about heart failure?

When the heart's pumping or filling action is impaired, pressure can build behind it and fluid may collect in the lungs or lower body. This can cause breathlessness, a cough, fatigue, or swollen ankles. Some people notice symptoms during activity first; others develop breathlessness when lying down or wake at night needing to sit up.

Heart failure can develop alongside high blood pressure, coronary disease, heart-valve problems, or an irregular rhythm such as atrial fibrillation. Symptoms overlap with other conditions, so they do not confirm heart failure by themselves. Assessment may include an examination, blood tests, an electrocardiogram, chest imaging, and an echocardiogram.

Take prescribed medicines consistently and ask before stopping them, even when symptoms improve. Keep a record of breathlessness, swelling, weight changes, and exercise tolerance so changes are easier to recognise. Limit salt if your clinician recommends it, follow any fluid advice, avoid smoking, and attend planned reviews.

A chronic disease review can check medicines, blood pressure, kidney function, rhythm, vaccinations, activity, and self-care goals. Ask what to do if you miss a dose or become unwell with vomiting or diarrhoea.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness at rest, blue or grey lips, collapse, new confusion, or chest pressure. Seek urgent advice if breathlessness suddenly worsens, you cough pink frothy fluid, or swelling increases quickly. A gradual change also deserves prompt contact because treatment may need adjustment.

Ask which type of heart failure you have, how your heart function was assessed, and what each medicine is for. Ask how to monitor swelling and breathlessness, what activity is suitable, and who to contact outside routine appointments.