Heart Failure Health Center

Medical Reference Related to Heart Failure

91. Topic Overview
    

    Beta-blockers have been shown to reduce symptoms and improve survival in people with systolic heart failure. Beta-blockers can also be helpful for people with diastolic heart failure. One of the main causes of diastolic dysfunction is that the heart does not have enough time to relax and fill before pumping blood out to the rest of your body. By slowing your heart rate and reducing the force ...

92. Beta-Blockers for Heart Failure
    

    Drug details for Beta-blockers for heart failure.

93. Topic Overview
    

    Certain conditions are known to trigger sudden heart failure in people with already-weakened heart muscles. If these conditions subside or are treated effectively,heart function may be restored. Conditions that trigger sudden heart failure include: Failure to properly take medicines for blood pressure,heart failure,or chest pain (angina). This is one of the leading causes of sudden heart ...

94. Topic Overview
    

    Many people with heart failure have trouble sleeping. You may have insomnia because of trouble breathing or because of depression or anxiety. Some people with heart failure have sleep apnea,which means they stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer several times a night. This reduces the amount of oxygen their body gets. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to health problems or make problems that ...

95. History and Physical Exam for Heart Failure
    

    Your medical history includes anything about your past and present health-conditions you used to have or conditions you have now. Tell your doctor about medical problems of any type, including any surgery that you have had. When giving your doctor your medical history, be complete and detailed in your descriptions. Even if an illness is completely gone or does not seem important to you, knowing ..

96. Topic Overview
    

    Most people with heart failure can still have an active sex life. But sexual problems are common. Your interest may drop,or you may have shortness of breath or other symptoms that limit your ability to have sex. Men may have erection problems. To make sex easier on you and your heart: Avoid sexual activity when: It's very hot or humid outside. You're under stress. You've just had a meal. ...

97. Heart Failure: Checking Your Weight
    

    People with heart failure need to track their weight carefully. Sudden weight gain may mean that fluid is building up in your body because your heart failure is getting worse.

98. Heart Failure: Avoiding Triggers for Sudden Heart Failure
    

    Key pointsSudden heart failure can be prevented by avoiding the triggers that cause it.Not all people are sensitive to or react to the same triggers. What may cause sudden heart failure in one person may not cause another person any difficulty.To avoid sudden heart failure: Pay attention to your symptoms. Changes in your weight, difficulty breathing, decreased appetite, and swelling (usually ...

99. Heart Failure: Eating Less Salt
    

    When you have heart failure, you need to eat less sodium, which is a component of salt. You will feel better and will lower your risk of being hospitalized by following the suggestions in this Actionset.Key pointsYour doctor may limit your sodium intake to less than per day.Keeping track of your sodium intake is the surest way of evaluating your diet.Processed foods and restaurant foods typically

100. Heart Failure: Watching Your Fluids
     

     Too much fluid in your body can make it harder for your already - weakened heart to pump. Your doctor may prescribe a diuretic to help get rid of excess fluid. He or she may also suggest that you limit liquids so that your body can get rid of the extra water and sodium.Key pointsMonitoring your fluid intake can reduce complications and hospitalizations.All foods that melt (such as ice cream, ...