Heart Failure: Breathlessness, Swelling and Ongoing Care
Getting breathless during simple tasks or noticing swollen ankles can be a sign that your heart needs attention.
Treatment at a glance
Medicines
Daily care
Treating the cause
Medicines, attention to daily symptoms and treatment of the underlying cause form the basis of care.
Before your consultation
Use these points to prepare for your consultation.
- Have you needed more pillows to sleep comfortably?
- Have swelling or weight changed recently?
- Bring your latest echo report and prescriptions.
Severe breathlessness at rest, collapse or chest pain needs emergency care. Do not wait for a scheduled review.
Understanding heart failure
Getting breathless during simple tasks or noticing swollen ankles can be a sign that your heart needs attention.
What it means
Heart failure means the heart cannot pump or fill well enough to meet the body’s needs. The heart is still working, but fluid may collect in the lungs or legs. Treatment depends on the cause and type of heart failure and usually needs regular review.
Symptoms to recognise
Breathlessness during activity or when lying flat; Swelling in the ankles, legs or abdomen; Unusual tiredness and reduced stamina; A sudden increase in weight or a night-time cough.
Treatment at a glance
Medicines, attention to daily symptoms and treatment of the underlying cause form the basis of care.
When to seek care
Contact your doctor promptly if breathlessness, swelling or weight increases. Ask for a written plan for worsening symptoms.
Symptoms to recognise
- Breathlessness during activity or when lying flat
- Swelling in the ankles, legs or abdomen
- Unusual tiredness and reduced stamina
- A sudden increase in weight or a night-time cough
Causes and risk factors
Discuss your medical history and these factors during your assessment.
How it is assessed
The choice of tests depends on your symptoms and the findings of your assessment.
1. Clinical assessment
Assessment may include blood tests, an ECG and an echocardiogram to examine heart function.
2. Tests and investigations
A chest X-ray or further imaging may help identify fluid build-up or the cause.
3. Further assessment
Your doctor also checks kidney function and reviews medicines that could affect treatment.
Treatment approaches
Medical care and ongoing management
- Medicines: Treatment may include medicines that protect heart function and diuretics to reduce excess fluid. The combination depends on the type of heart failure.
- Daily care: Follow an agreed plan for activity, weight monitoring and diet. Salt and fluid advice should suit your individual needs.
Treating the cause
Selected patients need valve treatment, treatment for blocked arteries or an implanted heart device.
Ask your specialist about the expected benefits, risks and alternatives for your circumstances.
When to seek care
Arrange an assessment for ongoing breathlessness or swelling. Seek emergency help for severe or sudden symptoms.
Arrange a review
Plan your next consultation
- Contact your doctor promptly if breathlessness, swelling or weight increases. Ask for a written plan for worsening symptoms.
Seek urgent care
Do not wait for a routine appointment when urgent warning signs occur.
- Severe breathlessness at rest, collapse or chest pain needs emergency care. Do not wait for a scheduled review.
Not Sure What You Need?
Arrange an assessment for ongoing breathlessness or swelling. Seek emergency help for severe or sudden symptoms.
Talk to Care GuideNeed a review of your heart failure plan?
Contact Mediversal Simran Hospital, Begusarai, about follow-up and bring your discharge summary and current medicines.
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