heart disease

Treatment and Management

Treatment options

Treatment of Heart Failure will depend largely on the cause of the condition, as well as the severity. Treatment options include:

Medication – there is a number of different types of medication available to treat Heart Failure, and which are used will depend on the type of Heart Failure you were diagnosed with. It is generally used in combinations, and it is best to start treatment as early as possible to keep the condition from getting worse.⁷
Implanted devices – these will also be selected based on the type of your condition, and how severe it is.⁷
Surgery – This is also only recommended for certain groups of patients.⁷
Heart Transplant – Considered only for patients in end-stage Heart Failure as a last resort.⁷

Management recommendations

Besides using medication, other recommendations form part of the management plan for Heart Failure. It is important to follow these recommendations to improve the efficacy and outcomes obtained from your prescribed medication.

Exercise (once your condition is stable), a healthy, balanced diet and making changes to your lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol use is the basis of managing most health conditions, including Heart Failure.¹¹

Reduced salt and fluid intake is required in certain types of Heart Failure. If salt substitutes are used, avoid potassium-containing options.¹¹Discuss this strategy with your doctor to find out if it is recommended for you.¹¹

If you are a woman of childbearing potential, discuss any plans for pregnancy with your doctor. Additional considerations and care may be required.¹¹

Ensure your condition is regularly monitored, including how well your kidneys are functioning.¹¹

How much of my daily life will be impacted by Heart Failure, and what will the different stages and types be?

What can I do to prevent Heart Failure?

Like most other conditions, some causes of Heart Failure can be eliminated, while others may be more difficult to avoid. When we consider medical conditions that you may suffer from, such as existing heart conditions, diabetes and sleep apnoea, you cannot avoid the condition itself. By making sure these conditions are well managed and well controlled, you can reduce its complications, which includes Heart Failure.⁴ When considering lifestyle choices that increase your risk of developing Heart Failure, you are in complete control of making the changes needed to support heart health and overall wellbeing:⁴

Make time for regular exercise
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Maintain a healthy weight, which will fall into place with exercise and a healthy diet.
Stop or avoid smoking and reduce alcohol intake.

What is the outlook for people with Heart Failure?

The outlook for people living with heart failure can vary from case-to-case, which is why proactive management of the condition may be important. Although most people with heart failure will experience some impairments to their lives because of the condition, awareness, meaningful discussion with your doctor and a proactive management plan can all help lessen the severity.

Many people with heart failure are living longer. Research continues to search for new ways to prevent heart failure and to improve outcomes for those who have already been diagnosed.¹²