Heart Failure

Overview

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome in which structural or functional changes of the myocardium impair the heart's ability to fill or pump, so that cardiac output fails to meet the body's needs. Common features include shortness of breath, wheezing, and edema.

Symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Edema
• Palpitations
• Cough
• Nocturnal breathlessness

Treatment

Restrict sodium and fluid intake and treat the underlying disease, using diuretics, ACEIs/ARBs, beta-blockers, and aldosterone antagonists as indicated. Device therapy or heart transplantation may be considered in severe cases.

Dietary advice

Follow a low-salt diet, limiting salt to 3-5 g per day, and moderately restrict fluid intake. Eat small, frequent meals, avoid overeating, and stop smoking while limiting alcohol.