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Living with heart failure
Once heart failure is diagnosed, doctors focus their attention
on four areas:
Specific treatment will depend on the cause of your heart failure
and how severe it is. Generally, treatment includes making lifestyle
changes, taking medications and getting ongoing medical care.
Lifestyle changes
“A person’s behaviors often have a big impact on heart failure,”
reports Dr. Ploss. “For instance, it’s important to lose weight if you’re
overweight and to quit smoking if you smoke. While you should
get adequate rest, regular physical activity is recommended with a
doctor’s guidance,” Dr. Ploss adds. “A healthy diet will be important
as well. Avoid adding salt. When buying packaged foods make sure
they are low in sodium. The best foods are fresh or fresh frozen and
foods you prepare yourself.”
Coronary artery disease.
This is a buildup of plaque in the
heart’s arteries.
High blood pressure.
When blood pressure is too high, the
heart has to work harder than normal to circulate blood.
Diabetes.
People with diabetes often develop high blood
pressure and plaque buildup.
Other conditions.
Conditions
that may contribute to heart
failure include structural defects of the heart, heart valve
problems, cardiomyopathy (heart muscle damage that may
be present at birth or caused by an injury or infection), and
arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
To learn about living well with heart failure
or to make an appointment with Dr. David Ploss,
call 888.529.9018.
CAUSES OF HEART FAILURE
“Keep in mind that certain medicines, including over-the-counter
drugs and herbal products, can make heart failure worse or produce
dangerous interactions with heart failure medications. Be sure to
inform your doctor of all medicines you take,” says Dr. Ploss.
Take charge.
Heart failure requires close attention and careful
management. But remember, it’s a condition that, to a great extent,
allows you to stay in charge. When you do, your reward may be a
longer — and better — life.
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Treating the condition’s underlying cause.
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Reducing symptoms.
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Preventing heart failure from getting worse.
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Helping you live longer — and better.
Medications
Typically, a combination of medicines is used to address the
underlying conditions. Among them are:
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Diuretics,
which eliminate excess fluid in the body.
This may help reduce congestion and swelling.
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Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (called
ACE inhibitors),
which lower blood pressure and lessen
strain on the heart by reducing how much angiotensin —
a substance that causes blood vessels to narrow —
is made in the body.
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Angiotensin receptor blockers, known as ARBs,
which limit or stop angiotensin’s effects on blood vessels.
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Beta blockers,
which slow heart rate and reduce blood
pressure. This can be helpful because as the heart
weakens, it tends to beat faster.
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Vasodilators,
which help blood vessel walls widen
or relax so blood can move more easily and the heart
doesn’t have to work so hard.
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Aldosterone antagonists,
which aid the body in getting
rid of salt and fluid. That can help reduce the volume of
blood the heart must pump.
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Digoxin,
which makes the heart beat stronger and
pump more blood.
