Heart failure is a common condition that can lead to many serious health outcomes, including loss of life. Identifying signs of heart failure is important to receiving timely medical care. With the right treatment, it is possible to manage the effects of heart failure and maintain your health
Heart failure affects how well the heart pumps blood to other areas of the body. When the heart has difficulty pumping blood efficiently, the following symptoms can occur:
Symptoms of heart failure may occur intermittently, or they may seem mild. Regardless, timely medical evaluation is crucial to prevent more serious problems from occurring.
During your appointment, the doctor will ask about your symptoms, your state of health, and medical background. They can also perform tests, diagnostic imaging, or take blood samples for testing. Some people will also undergo stress testing, which involves measuring heart function while a person is exercising.
Your doctor can then determine the best treatment based on the results of physical exams and testing. Many people can manage the condition with medication, while surgery may be necessary to address more serious symptoms. Lifestyle changes affecting diet and exercise may also be beneficial for many individuals. Regardless of the recommendations, it is important to work with your doctor and follow their instructions to see an improvement in symptoms.