Learning about this common condition—which isn’t the same thing as a heart attack—can help you avoid or control it.

In heart failure, your heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen to feed your body’s organs. About 550,000 Americans are diagnosed with new cases of heart failure each year, and more than 287,000 people die of it.

Although there’s no cure for heart failure, you can take steps to help prevent and manage it. Here are answers to some key questions about the condition.

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

A: People with heart failure may feel a range of symptoms. They can include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs and ankles. The condition usually comes on gradually, and symptoms may worsen over time. Some people have symptoms that are barely noticeable. Others have symptoms so severe they are unable to do almost any physical activity.

What can I do to prevent heart failure?

A: If you have a healthy heart, doing everything you can to prevent any kind of heart disease can also help prevent heart failure. Steps include:

• Eat a heart-healthy, low-fat diet. Your meals should be rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Go easy on salt, red meat, saturated and trans fat, and cholesterol.
• Don’t smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise for 30 minutes a day most days of the week.
• Don’t use illegal drugs.

Certain ailments heighten your risk for heart failure. Treating these problems—which include high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes—can help you avoid heart failure.

What should I do to manage heart failure if I have it?

A: Proper management of this condition is crucial to your well-being and longevity. These steps can help:

• Reduce your sodium intake. Consuming too much salt (sodium) can cause your body to retain fluids. This can contribute to swelling (edema), which in turn strains your heart and worsens your symptoms.
• Lose weight if you’re overweight. Weighing more than you should stresses your heart. Losing weight can help your heart work better.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet. Cut back on foods that are high in cholesterol, trans fat, and saturated fat. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you lose weight as it strengthens your heart and helps it beat more efficiently. Ask your doctor what exercise routine to follow.
• Take your medications as directed. Failure to follow this important part of treatment can make heart failure worse. To make sure your medication works properly:
  • Never skip doses.
  • Don’t stop taking a medication without clearance from your doctor.
  • Don’t change your dosage of any medication without your doctor’s OK.
  • Refill your prescriptions on time so you don’t run out.
  • Make taking your medications part of your routine by doing it at the same time each day.
  • Bring all your medications, or a list of them with dosages, to all your doctor appointments.
• Make any other lifestyle changes your doctor recommends. These might include not smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, and managing stress and high blood pressure.

Working closely with your health care team can help you slow the progression of heart failure and manage your symptoms. You’ll be able to live a full and purposeful life.

By Barbara Floria, senior writer for Vitality. For more information, visit the American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org.

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