Heart Failure Living With Heart Failure

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If you have heart failure, you will likely have to follow a treatment plan for the rest of your life. Even with treatment, heart failure often gets worse over time. However, you can take steps to have a higher quality of life.

Following your treatment plan can help relieve symptoms and make daily activities easier. It also can lower the chance that you’ll have to go to the hospital.

• Take your medicines as prescribed. Tell your provider if you have side effects from any of your medicines. They might adjust the dose or change the type of medicine you take to reduce side effects.
• Make heart-healthy lifestyle changes recommended by your provider. Habits can be hard to change. Let your provider know if you’re having a hard time sticking with any of the changes. You may also be asked to limit the amount of salt and liquids that you drink to reduce fluid buildup.
• Get medical care for other conditions that can worsen heart failure. These include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and lung, kidney, or liver disease. Tell your provider and pharmacist about all the medicines you’re taking. Taking medicines together can raise the risk of side effects. Also, certain medicines can worsen your heart failure symptoms.

Watch for signs that heart failure is getting worse, such as new or worsening symptoms. Weight gain, ankle swelling, or increasing shortness of breath may mean that fluids are building up in your body. Ask your provider how often you should check your weight and when to report weight changes.

Your symptoms may suddenly get worse. Ask when to make an office visit or get emergency care. Keep the following handy:

• Phone numbers for your provider, the hospital, and someone who can take you for medical care
• Directions to the doctor's office and hospital
• A list of all the medicines you’re taking

Living with heart failure may cause fear, anxiety, depression, and stress. Talk to your healthcare provider or a professional counselor. They can help you find or learn ways to cope.

• Get treatment for depression. If you are depressed, your provider may recommend medicines or other treatments that can improve your quality of life.
• Join a patient support group. You can learn how other people who have similar symptoms have coped with them. Your provider may be able to help you find local support groups, or you can check with an area medical center.
• Seek support from family and friends. Letting your loved ones know how you feel and what they can do to help can help lower your stress and anxiety.

Know your treatment options. If your heart failure is very serious, palliative or hospice care can improve your quality of life and help make your daily life more comfortable. This type of care focuses on managing your symptoms, helping you avoid unnecessary tests or treatments, and providing support to your loved ones.