Heart Failure

Our Approach

At Franciscan Health, a team of cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, emergency services physicians and critical care specialists evaluates patients and develops individualized treatment plans. Treatment may include changes to diet or exercise, medication, surgery, support and social services. Each patient's care is integrated, from diagnosis to treatment to follow-up.

With early diagnosis and newer treatments, people with heart failure can continue enjoying everyday activities and have a more normal life expectancy. All discharged heart failure patients receive follow-up discussions to identify problems early to the primary care physician.

Common symptoms of heart failure

Many people don't know they have heart failure because symptoms may be subtle and are often mistaken for normal signs of aging. Common symptoms of heart failure include:

• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing when lying down
• Weight gain with the swelling in the legs and ankles from fluid retention
• General fatigue and weakness

Preventing heart failure

Heart failure is typically a chronic illness that may get worse over time. Keep your blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol under control as recommended by your doctor. This may involve exercise, a special diet and medications. Other important treatment measures:

• Do not smoke
• Do not drink alcohol
• Reduce how much salt you eat
• Exercise as your health care provider recommends

What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a progressive condition in which the heart's muscle becomes weakened and gradually loses its ability to pump enough blood to supply the body's needs. Heart failure primarily affects people who have suffered a heart attack or have high blood pressure, heart valve disease, diabetes or other conditions that weaken the heart. Heart failure does not develop overnight - it starts slowly and gets worse over time.