Patients Can Manage Heart Failure with Lifestyle Changes, Medication

When Helen Lind began experiencing shortness of breath and pain in her left shoulder, she knew something was wrong.

After discussing her condition with cardiologist James Gwinn, M.D., she learned she was among the nearly 550,000 Americans suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF). For Lind, like many other sufferers, the symptoms were vague.

“Every time I would get a little excited, I became short of breath,” said Lind.

Eventually, she had a heart catheterization to place two stents.

With CHF, the heart loses the ability to efficiently pump blood. As pumping action decreases, blood collects in other areas—including the liver, lungs and gastrointestinal tract—and the body’s key organs stop receiving oxygen and essential nutrients.

Symptoms can include:

• Weakness or exhaustion with little exertion.
• Shortness of breath.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Swelling in abdomen, ankles or feet.
• Confusion or trouble concentrating.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Racing or irregular heartbeat.

Gwinn said while there is no cure for CHF, it can be managed when diagnosed early.

“By implementing key lifestyle changes, such as reducing salt intake and increasing physical activity, a CHF patient can live a relatively normal life,” said Gwinn. “Taking prescribed medications and keeping doctor’s appointments also are important.” In some cases, CHF may require open-heart surgery to correct an underlying problem.

“With advances in cardiac care and technology, recovery time has drastically reduced over the years,” said Gwinn.