Heart Failure: Symptoms and Solutions

One of the most common heart problems is heart failure, a condition that affects how your heart works to pump blood throughout your body. Although heart failure can happen to anyone at any age, it occurs most often in older adults. Heart failure is an ongoing disease, but if you work with your healthcare team, you can help to reduce symptoms and live longer.

Are there different types of heart failure?

Yes, because the heart may be affected in different ways to cause heart failure. The most common type occurs when the left side of your heart can't pump oxygen rich blood out to your body. Another type occurs when the right side of your heart can't pump blood into the lungs to receive oxygen. In some cases, both types may affect the ability of the heart to pump blood.

What causes heart failure?

Structural issues that contribute to heart failure may be inherited or caused by issues with the heart valves or damage from a heart attack. Other medical conditions may contribute to heart failure such as high blood pressure, infection, or serious lung disease. Blockage of the vessels that carry blood away from your heart can also cause heart failure.

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

Common symptoms of heart failure include:

• shortness of breath (often during activity and at night)
• cough or wheezing, producing white or bloody mucus
• swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, fingers, or belly
• sudden increase in weight
• tiredness
• lack of appetite or nausea
• confusion, memory loss, or feeling disoriented
• increased heart rate
• frequent urination

What medications are available to treat heart failure?

There are a variety of medications used to treat heart failure. Your specific medications will depend on the type of heart failure and seriousness of your condition. Medications for heart failure are used to:

• remove fluid and excess sodium from your body
• relax blood vessels to allow your heart to pump blood throughout your body
• slow your heart rate to help your heart pump blood easier and more efficiently
• make your heart beat stronger and pump more blood

Your medications may change over time based on your symptoms. Take your medication(s) as directed and tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any side effects.

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What else can I do to treat my heart failure?

When you have heart failure there are actions you can do to take care of your health including:

• Remember to take your medication for heart failure or other conditions as directed and at the recommended times
• Reduce the amount of sodium in the foods that you eat
• Follow your health providers' instructions on the amount of liquid that you are to drink each day
• Stop smoking
• Exercise as directed by your health provider
• Get vaccinated against respiratory diseases – such as flu, RSV, and pneumonia
• Reduce stress in your daily life
• Weigh yourself at least every other day. Tell your doctor if you gain more than 3 pounds in a week or keep gaining weight.

Summary

Heart failure is a common, but serious, condition that can affect the quality of your life. Treatment of your condition with medications, lifestyle changes, and a plan to manage symptoms can help you to feel better. Talk with your doctor and pharmacist if you notice a change in your symptoms or side effects from your medications.

See also:

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AHFS® Patient Medication Information is used with permission. ©2025, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. (ASHP). The ASHP Data is a part of the AHFS Drug Information®️; ASHP is not responsible for the accuracy of transpositions from the original context.