ADVANCED CARDIAC FAILURE TREATMENT

Lifestyle Changes

These modifications often improve or control some of the factors contributing to heart failure. For example, people with heart failure will see an improvement if they:

  • Modify daily activities and get enough rest to avoid stressing the heart

  • Eat a heart-healthy diet that is low in sodium and fat

  • Don’t smoke and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke

  • Don’t drink alcohol or limit intake to no more than one drink two or three times a week

  • Lose weight

  • Avoid or limit caffeine intake

  • Get regular exercise, which may include a physical rehabilitation program, once symptoms are stable

  • Reduce stress

  • Weigh yourself daily, for a sudden increase may signal fluid build-up

  • Keep track of symptoms and report any changes

  • Have regular checkups to monitor the condition

Medications

A number of medications are prescribed for heart failure, and most patients will take more than one drug. Medications may be prescribed to:

  • Dilate blood vessels

  • Strengthen the heart’s pumping action

  • Reduce water and sodium in the body to lessen the heart’s workload

Surgery

Surgical options to treat underlying causes of heart failure include:

  • Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG or “cabbage”) or angioplasty to prevent and treat heart failure caused by blocked arteries. During bypass surgery, blood vessels taken from another part of the body — usually the leg — are used to link the open parts of a blocked artery around the blockage.

  • Implantation of pacemakers and other devices such as artificial heart valves

  • Repairing congenital heart defects

“All the medical and support staff were very knowledgeable, courteous, and performed their jobs professionally.”

Medford Patient