Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Medicines, treating the cause, devices, self-care, rehab and emergency care.
Heart failure cannot usually be cured, but treatment can greatly improve symptoms, reduce hospital stays and help people live longer.
Emergency care
Call 112 or 102 for severe breathlessness at rest, pink frothy sputum, chest pain or fainting. In hospital, treatment may include oxygen, intravenous diuretics, medicines to improve heart function and treatment of the trigger such as infection or an abnormal rhythm.
Long-term treatment
What to expect
Many people feel much better within weeks of the right medicines. Treatment is lifelong, and doses are adjusted gradually.
Supportive approaches
Ayurveda and yoga may be used as adjuncts only with your cardiologist's agreement, never as a replacement for medicines.
Key point
Consistent treatment and monitoring keep most people stable and active.
Before your appointment
Bring your list of medicines and supplements, recent test reports such as echocardiogram, ECG and kidney tests, and your daily weight and blood pressure log. Note any breathlessness, swelling, night-time symptoms or reduced activity, and how much salt and fluid you take. Ask about warning signs and when to call 112 or 102.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Cardiac rehab, walking, gentle breathing, the talk test and when to stop.
Low salt, fluid limits as advised, heart-friendly foods and supplement cautions.
Treat blood pressure, diabetes and artery disease, quit tobacco and stay active.
Ayurvedic view of hridroga as an adjunct only, with herb interaction cautions.
Reduced and preserved ejection fraction, left and right sided, acute and chronic.
Breathlessness, swelling, weight gain and fatigue, plus emergency signs for 112.
