Heart Failure Your Health
Managing Heart Failure
Management of Heart Failure
In some people with heart failure, the lower chambers of the heart don't beat at the same time, forcing the heart to work harder.
Lifestyle Changes
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, limiting your sodium intake, losing weight, or reducing your stress level. These changes can help relieve some of the symptoms associated with heart failure and reduce strain on your heart.
Heart Medications
Many kinds of medications are used for the management of heart failure. Your doctor may prescribe ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, blood thinners, and diuretics, among others. In general, a combination of heart medications is typically used.
Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy
You may be eligible for an implantable heart device called cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT). CRT has proven clinical efficacy in managing individuals with heart failure. A CRT heart device sends tiny electrical pulses to the lower chambers of your heart to help them beat in a more coordinated or "synchronised" fashion. This may help improve the pumping efficiency of the heart.
Heart Surgery
If your heart failure is caused or made worse by a weak valve, your doctor may consider heart surgery to repair or replace the valve. If the heart failure is serious and irreversible, heart transplant surgery may be considered.
Talk to your doctor about which treatment options are right for you.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.