Heart Failure

Heart failure means the heart is not pumping blood as effectively as the body needs.

It can develop when the heart muscle is weakened, stiff, or working against increased pressure. Blood and fluid may then back up in the lungs or lower body. Heart failure is a long-term condition for many people, but symptoms and function can often be supported with a tailored care plan.

Shortness of breath and swollen ankles are very common presentations of heart failure. Fatigue, cough and palpitations are also common presentations. Symptoms may become more noticeable with activity, when lying flat, or after fluid builds up.

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathlessness at rest, fainting, new confusion, chest pressure, or rapidly worsening swelling.

Coronary artery disease, a prior heart attack, longstanding hypertension, and rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation can place strain on the heart or damage its muscle. Valve disease, some heart muscle disorders, and other medical conditions can also contribute. The exact cause helps the clinical team choose treatment.

Symptoms can fluctuate. An infection, missed medicines, excess salt, an abnormal rhythm, or another illness may trigger a flare. Recording changes in breathlessness, swelling, sleep and exercise tolerance can make it easier to spot a change early.

Clinicians consider blood pressure, previous heart disease, diabetes, kidney function, smoking, alcohol use, family history and medicines. Some factors can be modified, while others guide how closely the condition is followed.

Assessment starts with your symptoms, medical history and examination. Blood tests, an electrocardiogram, imaging of the heart, and checks of kidney function may be used to look for the cause and understand how the heart is working. Bring a list of medicines, supplements and recent symptom changes.

Treatment may combine medicines that reduce strain on the heart, medicines that help remove excess fluid, and treatment for an underlying cause. Some people need procedures or devices depending on the heart problem. A chronic disease review helps coordinate medicines, monitoring and lifestyle support. Do not stop prescribed medicine suddenly unless a clinician tells you to.

Take medicines as directed and follow the fluid, salt, activity and weight-monitoring advice agreed with your care team. Keep appointments even when you feel well. A written plan for whom to contact when symptoms change can make a flare less disruptive.

Fluid can accumulate in the lungs or body and make breathing or movement difficult. Heart rhythm disturbances and reduced kidney function may complicate care. Prompt review is appropriate when usual symptoms are worsening rather than settling with the plan you have been given.

Managing blood pressure, avoiding tobacco, staying active within safe limits, and attending follow-up for heart conditions can reduce avoidable strain. Discuss vaccinations, sleep concerns and any new over-the-counter medicines with your clinician.

A primary care clinician can coordinate ongoing care and refer you to a cardiology team when specialised assessment or treatment is needed. Bring questions about symptoms, activity, travel and medicines to the visit.