Living with heart failure doesn’t mean giving up on a full life. Many people with reduced heart function are able to manage their symptoms and enjoy many healthy years.
Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart isn’t able to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs. This condition often coexists with other serious health problems, but that doesn’t mean it’s untreatable.
“Many people hear the term ‘heart failure’ and assume the worst,” said Dr. Sara Tabtabai, co-director at the University of Connecticut Heart Failure Center. “But there are many options available before we ever consider something like a transplant. Our goal is to ease symptoms and strengthen heart function.”
What Is Heart Failure?
Despite its name, heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped. It simply refers to the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently. There are two main types:
- Left-sided heart failure, where the left side of the heart works harder to keep up.
- Right-sided heart failure, which is often a result of fluid pressure building up due to left-sided failure.
A number of other health issues can contribute to heart failure, such as:
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Weak or damaged heart muscle
- Birth defects affecting the heart
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attacks
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
Heart failure can develop gradually as these conditions worsen, but it can also appear suddenly. While the condition is chronic, it can be managed with proper care.
Common Symptoms
Signs of heart failure can vary depending on the type and severity, but typical symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or weak
- Frequent coughing
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea
- Reduced appetite
According to Dr. Tabtabai, many people with heart failure feel very tired and notice they can’t exercise or carry out daily tasks as easily. Swelling in the legs or ankles is a common symptom due to fluid buildup from poor circulation—this is where the term "congestive" heart failure comes from.
How It’s Treated
There is no cure for heart failure, but many treatments can slow its progression, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life.
Medications
Several types of medications are available to help the heart work more efficiently. These may include:
- ACE inhibitors
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers
- Angiotensin-receptor neprilysin inhibitors
- Beta blockers
- Aldosterone antagonists
- Diuretics
Your provider will help you determine the best combination of medications based on the type of heart failure and other health conditions you may have.
Dr. Tabtabai noted that pumping function alone doesn’t always reflect how someone feels. Some patients have very low pumping efficiency but still feel well and live for many years. To get the most benefit, it’s important to take medications exactly as prescribed.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Changes to daily habits can make a big difference in managing heart failure and preventing it from getting worse. Key steps include:
- Lowering salt intake
- Quitting tobacco
- Managing stress levels
- Staying physically active
- Controlling other contributing health issues, like high blood pressure or diabetes
Dr. Tabtabai emphasized that healthy living early on can reduce the risk of developing heart disease. And for those who already have heart failure, good habits can help extend life and reduce symptoms.
Regular exercise, in particular, has been shown to improve outcomes. It not only helps prevent heart failure but also reduces hospital visits and the risk of death in people already diagnosed. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about what level of activity is safe for you.
Surgical Options
For advanced cases, surgical interventions may be necessary. These can include:
- Heart transplant
- Implantable defibrillator
- Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
Though these procedures can be emotionally and physically demanding, they often result in a much better quality of life for people with severe heart failure.
In Summary
Heart failure is a serious but manageable condition. With a mix of medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical support, many people are able to live full and active lives.
If you’re experiencing signs of heart failure—such as breathlessness, fatigue, or swelling—don’t ignore them. Talk to a healthcare provider to determine the cause and get started on a treatment plan that supports your health and well-being.
