Community
Heart Failure
Heart failure means your heart can't pump blood as well as it should. Tracking your symptoms and connecting with others who understand can help you manage day to day.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment.
When to seek help
Seek emergency care for chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, coughing up pink frothy mucus, or sudden weight gain with swelling.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
Overview
Heart failure means your heart cannot pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet your body's needs. It does not mean the heart has stopped, but the body may not get the blood flow it needs, which can cause serious problems.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath, especially with activity or lying flat
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs
- Fatigue and weakness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Persistent cough or wheezing
Causes
Usually caused by conditions that damage or overwork the heart, most often coronary artery disease and high blood pressure. Other causes include heart valve problems, diabetes, and prior heart attack.
Types
- Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (the heart pumps weakly)
- Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (the heart pumps but is too stiff to fill)
- Left-sided vs right-sided heart failure
Diagnosis
Diagnosed with a physical exam, blood tests (including BNP), an echocardiogram to measure ejection fraction, and sometimes an ECG or stress test.
Treatment
A mix of medicines (such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, beta-blockers, and SGLT2 inhibitors), lifestyle changes, and sometimes devices or surgery. Treatment is lifelong and tailored to the cause and stage.
Living with it
- Weigh yourself daily and report sudden weight gain
- Limit salt (sodium) and fluids as advised
- Take medicines every day, even when you feel well
- Stay active within your limits
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Complications
- Kidney damage
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Liver damage
- Fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
Frequently asked questions
Can heart failure get better?
It is a chronic condition, but with treatment many people live well for years and improve their symptoms. Treating the underlying cause and taking medicines consistently matters most.
Join the Heart Failure community
Talk with people who understand, share what helps, and find support from others living with heart failure. Private, moderated, and free.
Posts in this community reflect personal experiences, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before changing your treatment.