What is Heart Failure
Heart failure does not mean your heart has stopped working. It just needs some support to help it work better.
It can occur at any age, but is most common in older people.
Heart failure is a long-term condition which cannot usually be cured, but the symptoms can often be controlled for many years.
Heart failure
Video designed by Dr Sankaranarayanan (Consultant Cardiologist) for the Aintree Heart Failure Passport Mobile APP (Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
What is heart failure
From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK's largest collection of health and care videos
More about heart failure
Causes of heart failure
There are lots of reasons why you may have heart failure. It can be sudden or it can happen slowly over months or years.
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Diagnosis and stages
If you have symptoms of heart failure, your GP should offer you some checks and a blood test to see how well your heart is working.
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Treatments (medications, procedures and self-care)
Information on treatments available and ways of managing the condition
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What support is available?
In this section you will find both local and global support connections to help you manage and understand your condition; whether they be for physical or emotional wellbeing.
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What support is available?
In this section you will find both local and global support connections to help you manage and understand your condition; for both physical or emotional wellbeing.
View moreLinks (these will open in a new window)
Pumping Marvellous
We are the Pumping Marvellous Foundation, the UK’s heart failure patient-led charity.
Aintree Heart Failure Passport app
Educational app, used to provide guidance to patients on Heart Failure (HF). Available on the Play Store.
Health and Care Video Library
We provide clinicians, patients, their families and carers with easily understandable information in an easily accessible way.
ORCHA mobile apps
ORCHA is a health app evaluation and advisor organisation. It can help you find mobile apps to assist you in learning more about heart failure. Tap on the image below to go the the app directory
The most common causes of heart failure are:
- a heart attack– which can cause long-term damage to your heart, affecting how well the heart can pump.
- high blood pressure - putting strain on the heart, which over time can lead to heart failure.
- cardiomyopathy - a disease of the heart muscle. There are different types which can either be inherited or caused by other things, such as viral infections or pregnancy.
Heart failure can also be caused by:
- heart valve disease
- abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- congenital heart conditions – heart problems that you’re born with
- endocarditis – a viral infection affecting the heart muscle
- some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy
- excessive alcohol consumption
- anaemia – a lack of oxygen carrying haemoglobin or red blood cells in your blood
- thyroid gland disease.
Heart Failure Causes
Video designed by Dr Sankaranarayanan (Consultant Cardiologist) for the Aintree Heart Failure Passport Mobile APP (Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
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Published on Thu, 03 Jun 2021 12:11:29 GMT
Modified on Fri, 23 Sep 2022 09:45:28 GMT
The most common symptoms of heart failure are:
- Breathlessness – this may occur after activity or at rest; it may be worse when you're lying down, and you may wake up at night needing to catch your breath
- Fatigue – you may feel tired most of the time and find exercise exhausting
- Swollen ankles and legs – this is caused by a build-up of fluid (oedema); it may be better in the morning and get worse later in the day
Less common symptoms
Other symptoms of heart failure can include:- a persistent cough, which may be worse at night
- wheezing
- a bloated tummy
- loss of appetite
- weight gain or weight loss
- confusion
- dizziness and fainting
- a fast heart rate
- a pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Some people with heart failure may also experience feelings of depression and anxiety.
Videos
Heart Failure Symptoms
Video designed by Dr Sankaranarayanan (Consultant Cardiologist) for the Aintree Heart Failure Passport Mobile APP (Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) .
Content provided by NHS.uk
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Published on Thu, 03 Jun 2021 12:16:24 GMT
Modified on Fri, 23 Sep 2022 09:35:26 GMT
If your blood test shows you might have heart failure, your GP should consider referring you to a specialist heart failure team and you may be offered further tests.
Tests for heart failure
Tests you may have to diagnose heart failure include:
- blood tests (NT-proBNP) – to check whether there's anything in your blood that might indicate heart failure or another illness
- an electrocardiogram (ECG) – this records the electrical activity of your heart to check for problems
- an echocardiogram – a type of ultrasound scan where sound waves are used to examine your heart
- breathing tests – you may be asked to blow into a tube to check whether a lung problem is contributing to your breathlessness; common tests include spirometry and a peak flow test
- a chest X-ray – to check whether your heart's bigger than it should be, whether there's fluid in your lungs (a sign of heart failure), or whether a lung condition could be causing your symptoms
You can read more about tests for heart conditions on the British Heart Foundation website.
Stages of heart failure
When you're diagnosed with heart failure, your doctor will usually be able to tell you what stage it is.
The stage describes how severe your heart failure is.
It's usually given as a class from 1 to 4, with 1 being the least severe and 4 being the most severe:
- class 1 – you don't have any symptoms during normal physical activity
- class 2 – you're comfortable at rest, but normal physical activity triggers symptoms
- class 3 – you're comfortable at rest, but minor physical activity triggers symptoms
- class 4 – you're unable to carry out any physical activity without discomfort and may have symptoms even when resting
Knowing the stage of your heart failure will help your doctors decide which treatments they think are best for you.
Useful videos
Heart failure
Video designed by Dr Sankaranarayanan (Consultant Cardiologist) for the Aintree Heart Failure Passport Mobile APP (Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
Heart Failure Tests
Video designed by Dr Sankaranarayanan (Consultant Cardiologist) for the Aintree Heart Failure Passport Mobile APP (Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
Getting ready for tests in hospital
From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK's largest collection of health and care videos
Content provided by NHS.uk
Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help.
Published on Fri, 04 Jun 2021 10:16:09 GMT
Modified on Fri, 23 Sep 2022 09:34:08 GMT
Choose from the medications below to find out more details:
Beta-Blockers
Beta-Blockers are drugs that help your heart beat slower and stronger
| Name | Dose (Milligrams) |
|---|---|
| Bisoprolol | 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, 5, 7.5, 10 |
| Carvediolol Taken AM & PM | 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25 |
| Metoprolol Taken AM & PM | 25, 50, 75, 100 |
Mineralocorticoid Antagonists
Mineralocorticoid antagonists are a "type of water tablets," that counteract the adverse compensatory mechanisms, from worsening your heart failure.
| Name | Dose (Milligrams) |
|---|---|
| Spironolactone | 12.5, 25, 50 |
| Eplerenone | 12.5, 25, 50 |
SGLT2 inhibitors
| Name | Dose (Milligrams) |
|---|---|
| Dapagliflozin | 10 |
| Empagliflozin | 10 |
ACE Inhibitors
ACE Inhibitors relax blood vessels, thereby lowering your blood pressure and help the heart pump more effectively.
| Name | Dose (Milligrams) |
|---|---|
| Ramipril | 1.25, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 |
| Enalapril | 32.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 |
| Lisinopril | 5, 10, 15, 20 |
| Perindopril | 2, 4, 8 |
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB)
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers are alternatives to ACE inhibitors in patients who have side effects to ACE inhibitors.
| Name | Dose (Milligrams) |
|---|---|
| Candesartan | 4, 8, 12, 16 |
| Valsartan | 340, 80, 120, 160, 320 |
| Losartan | 25, 50, 75, 100 |
Diuretics (Water tablets)
Diuretics prevent fluid from building up in the body and lungs by getting rid of extra fluid and sodium in the urine. These medications make you pass urine frequently.
| Name | Dose (Milligrams) |
|---|---|
| Frusemide | 40, 80, 120, 160 |
| Bumetanide | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| Bendroflumethiazide | 2.5, 5 |
Anti-platelets
| Name | Dose (Milligrams) |
|---|---|
| Aspirin | 75 |
| Clopidogrel | 75 |
| Ticagreolor | 90 |
Anticoagulants (Blood thinners)
| Name | Dose (Milligrams) |
|---|---|
| Warfarin | As per INR |
| Apixaban Taken AM & PM | 2.5, 5 |
| Edoxaban | 60 |
| Rivaroxaban | 15, 20 |
| Dabigatran | 60, 90 |
Anti-Hypertensives (blood pressure tablets)
| Name | Dose (Milligrams) |
|---|---|
| Amlodipine | 5, 10 |
| Felodipine | 5 |
| Doxazosin | 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 |
Others
| Name | Dose (Milligrams) |
|---|---|
| Hydralazine Taken morning, afternoon and evening | 25, 50 |
| Isosorbide Mononitrate Taken once a day | 30, 60, 90, 120 |
| Isosorbide Mononitrate Taken twice a day | 10, 20, 30, 60 |
Can I improve my heart failure naturally?
If your doctor prescribes you medication it’s important to take it. But making changes to your lifestyle is also going to have a big impact on improving your health.
Changes may include:
- weighing yourself regularly and entering your weight into the Aintree Heart Failure Passport – sudden weight gain may mean too much fluid is building up in your body
- watching the amount of fluid you have each day
- managing stress and mood monitoring in the Aintree Heart Failure Passport app
- controlling your blood pressure
- stopping smoking
- limiting how much alcohol you drink or stopping altogether safely if advised to do so by your clinician
- keeping active (and taking part in rehabilitation if advised to do so) – this can help improve your energy, stamina and fitness
- keeping to a healthy weight, which will help to prevent your heart from working too hard.
Diet changes are also essential when managing your weight and keeping your heart healthy.
You could feel healthier by eating:
- one or two portions of fruit or veg with every meal
- sunflower oil, olive oil, nuts and avocados instead of saturated fat options like crisps and butter
- one or two portions of beans or pulses everyday with a meal
- your protein in the form of fish, eggs and lean meats
- less salt and sugar.
How to manage your heart failure at home
Video designed by Dr Sankaranarayanan (Consultant Cardiologist) for the Aintree Heart Failure Passport Mobile APP (Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
Living healthy with heart failure
From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK's largest collection of health and care videos
Useful videos:
Medication
Video designed by Dr Sankaranarayanan (Consultant Cardiologist) for the Aintree Heart Failure Passport Mobile APP (Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
Other treaments
Video designed by Dr Sankaranarayanan (Consultant Cardiologist) for the Aintree Heart Failure Passport Mobile APP (Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
Cardiac rehabilitation
Video designed by Dr Sankaranarayanan (Consultant Cardiologist) for the Aintree Heart Failure Passport Mobile APP (Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
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From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK's largest collection of health and care videos
Content provided by NHS.uk
Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help.
Published on Mon, 09 Aug 2021 15:28:02 GMT
Modified on Thu, 22 Sep 2022 16:53:16 GMT
Local Support
Citizens Advice Bureau Referrals
Advice services available through Citizen Advice Bureau digital and telephone channels.
Talk Liverpool
It is common for your psychological wellbeing to be impacted by Heart Failure. Many people find additional support managing their wellbeing helps them keep well for longer.
Telehealth
Health Technology (or Telehealth) is a way of using technology to monitor your own health, with the support of health professionals.
National Support
Pumping Marvellous
Link to the Pumping Marvellous Heart Failure Charity Website.
Cardiomyopathy
List of useful organisations from Cardiomyopathy
NHS
Advice from the NHS on living with Heart Failure
British Heart Foundation
List of support groups from the British Heart Foundation
Heart Failure Matters
Link to the Heart Failure Matters website.
Healthtalk.org
Personal experiences of people using support groups and how they have helped
Pumping Marvellous closed Facebook group for heart failure patients
For people living with heart failure and their carers. Pumping Marvellous - the UK's patient-led Heart Failure Charity - set up and manage this group so that people with heart conditions can talk freely and share experiences in a safe environment with others that understand.
My Marvellous Big Pocket Guide to Heart Failure
This “Marvellous Pocket Guide” is as a result of the experience gained by our marvellous team of patients here at the Pumping Marvellous Foundation who started just like you, with a diagnosis of heart failure.
My Marvellous Guide to Travelling with Heart Failure
It is important to be prepared when travelling with heart failure and we hope this guide will give you thoughts about how you can plan your trip, whether it be to Brighton or Barbados. We hope this guide resonates with you and helps you make some of those decisions so your trip is safe and organised thoroughly.
Useful Videos
Tap on the videos below to learn more about Heart Failure. You can find more videos about heart problems in the Health and Care Videos Library
What is heart failure?
From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK's largest collection of health and care videos
Healthy living
From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK's largest collection of health and care videos
Managing heart failure at home
From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK's largest collection of health and care videos
ORCHA mobile apps
ORCHA is a health app evaluation and advisor organisation. It can help you find mobile apps to assist you in measuring your cardiovascular health, and to learn more information about Heart Failure. Tap on the image below to go the the app directory.
Content provided by One Liverpool, a partnership of local health and care organisations working together to support a healthier, happier and fairer Liverpool for all.
Published on Thu, 03 Jun 2021 12:34:36 GMT
Modified on Thu, 03 Feb 2022 12:54:19 GMT
Local support
Citizens Advice Bureau Referrals
Advice services available through Citizen Advice Bureau digital and telephone channels.
National support
Useful videos
Tap on the videos below to learn more about Heart Failure. You can find more videos about heart problems in the Health and Care Videos Library
What is heart failure?
From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK's largest collection of health and care videos
Living healthy with heart failure
From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK's largest collection of health and care videos
How to manage your heart failure at home
From the Health and Care Video Library, the UK's largest collection of health and care videos
Content provided by NHS.uk
Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help.
Published on Thu, 03 Jun 2021 12:29:47 GMT
Modified on Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:28:07 GMT
Dr Sankaranarayanan from Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Published on Wed, 11 Aug 2021 12:42:37 GMT
Modified on Mon, 30 Oct 2023 16:29:59 GMT