Heart Failure: Early Signs and Living Well
Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped. It means the heart pumps less strongly than it should.
Early signs
- Breathlessness on activity or when lying flat
- Swollen feet, ankles or abdomen
- Tiredness, reduced stamina and weight gain from fluid
Treatment
- Medicines that help the heart and remove extra fluid
- Treating the cause, such as blocked arteries or high blood pressure
- Devices in selected patients
Living well
- Weigh yourself daily and report sudden gain
- Limit salt and fluids as advised
- Take medicines regularly and attend follow-ups
Need advice about your heart? Call or WhatsApp the hospital team on 95116 13365 (Monday to Saturday, 12:00 to 8:00). For chest pain or a suspected heart attack, call 112 or 95116 13365 straight away; emergency services are open 24x7.
Call 95116 13365Related articles
- Blocked Arteries: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
- High Blood Pressure and Your Heart
- Diabetes and Heart Disease: Why the Risk Is Higher
This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. If you have symptoms or concerns, please see a doctor.