Heart failure basics: know your treatment options

When it comes to treating heart failure, the good news is there are options available. Medication, a low-salt diet, exercise, and cardiac rehab are just a few. It usually takes a combination of treatments to get it right. You and your doctor will work together to create a treatment plan just for you.

To successfully manage your condition, it’s important to follow your plan. Be an active member of your healthcare team. And involve your family and loved ones so they can help support you along the way.

Your plan may include a mix of these treatment options:

• Lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Devices and surgical procedures
• Professional support services and care

Lifestyle Changes

Here are six steps you can take in your day-to-day to help manage how you feel.

1. Limit salt in your diet
   Salt causes your body to hold onto extra water. This can put stress on the heart. Limiting the amount of salt you eat on a daily basis will help you feel better. The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is a heart-healthy way to limit salt.
   
   
2. Get daily exercise
   Being active every day will help keep your heart and body strong. Talk to your doctor before you start any exercise program.
   
3. Weigh yourself daily
   Weigh yourself every day using a scale. If you gain more than 3 pounds in two days, or 5 pounds over the course of a week, notify your doctor. Changes may need to be made to your meds or diet.
   
4. Take your blood pressure every day
   Use your Blood Pressure Monitor to take your blood pressure every day. For patients with heart failure, a goal of 130/80 mmHg is recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.
   
5. Manage your fluid intake
   In some severe cases, you may need to monitor how much fluid you’re taking in. This doesn’t just include the water you’re drinking. You’ll need to keep track of all of the fluids in the foods and beverages you consume. Your doctor will let you know if you need to limit your fluids.
   
6. Quit smoking
   Smoking is bad for your health and it can make your heart failure worse. It’s not easy to quit, but it’s possible. If you currently smoke, talk with your doctor about quitting. There are resources available to help you quit.

Medications

Medications may be an important part of your treatment plan. There are a variety of different types and each has a specific job. Because of this, you may need a few meds to help your heart get stronger. You may also need meds to help manage some of the symptoms you’re feeling.

Knowing which meds are for your heart failure and taking them as prescribed can help you feel better. Keep track of which meds you’re on, the dose, and the side effects you’re having.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehab is a program that helps your heart’s overall health. In rehab, you’ll learn about specific exercises to make your heart stronger. And you’ll also get heart-healthy ways to live and eat. This includes lowering your stress levels.

You can take classes in person or online. Ask your doctor if you can sign up. Cardiac rehab is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurers for people with heart failure.

Procedures

If your heart failure progresses, there are a few procedures available. Depending on your situation, this may be the right route for you. Discuss all of your options with your doctor and care team.

Some of the surgical procedures include:

• Heart catheterization: This is a tiny wire and balloon that is pushed through an unhealthy artery. It’s removed once the artery has opened up. A stent may be placed and left there to keep the vessel open.
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator: This device keeps track of your heart rate. It gives an electric shock if your heart rate is too fast. This helps reset the rhythm.
• Resynchronization therapy: This device sends signals to the heart, helping it beat in a more coordinated way.
• Left ventricular assist device (LVAD): You may benefit from this device if your heart failure is more advanced. It acts like a mechanical heart pump, moving blood through the body.
• Heart transplant: If the other treatment options aren’t helping, a heart transplant may be an option for you. This is when your heart is replaced with a healthier heart from a donor.

Professional Support Services and Care

This includes different services and care options like home health care, group therapy, or a skilled nursing facility. Professional support also includes durable medical equipment (DME) and palliative/supportive care. Your needs will depend on the stage of your condition. Your healthcare team can help you figure out which services are right for you.

Following your treatment plan ensures you’re doing everything within your power to control your condition. Being an active member of your care team allows you to create a plan that works for you. Heart failure doesn’t have to run your life.