What should you know about reversing heart failure?

Heart failure means the heart is not pumping or filling effectively enough for the body's needs. Some causes can be treated, and fluid build-up, breathlessness and tiredness may ease. Improvement does not always mean the underlying tendency has gone, so prescribed treatment and monitoring may still be needed even when you feel better.

High blood pressure and atrial fibrillation can strain the heart or affect its rhythm. Cough, fatigue, palpitations and swollen ankles may occur with heart failure, but each symptom has other possible causes. A pattern of worsening symptoms is more useful than any one symptom alone.

Take medicines as prescribed and keep scheduled reviews. Track changes in breathlessness, sleep, weight if your clinician has advised it, swelling and exercise tolerance. Follow individual advice about salt, fluids, activity and vaccinations; limits may differ according to kidney function and the type of heart failure.

A Chronic Disease Review can check symptoms, blood pressure, rhythm, medicines and the need for further tests. Do not stop a heart medicine suddenly or take anti-inflammatory medicines, supplements or extra fluids without checking that they are suitable for you.

Contact your care team promptly if breathlessness is increasing, you need more pillows, swelling is spreading, or you are gaining fluid-related weight over a short period. Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness at rest, chest pressure, fainting, new confusion, blue lips or sudden severe palpitations.

Ask what type of heart failure you have, which cause is being treated, what changes to record at home, and which symptoms mean you should call the care team or emergency services.