Left-sided heart failure Health Article

Expectations (prognosis)

Heart failure is a serious condition that can result in early death. How well a person does depends on the cause of the heart failure, as well as the person's age and ability to tolerate exercise.

In many cases, there is little chance that the heart will fully recover. However, many forms of heart failure are well controlled with medication and the condition can remain stable for many years with only occasional flare ups of symptoms.

Complications

• Pulmonary edema
• Total failure of the heart to function (circulatory collapse)
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Side effects of medications
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Lightheadedness, fainting
  • Headache
  • Chronic cough
  • Low electrolyte levels
  • Difficulty with sexual intercourse

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicating congestive heart failure occur.

Call your health care provider or get to the emergency room if symptoms are severe or if you experience chest pain, weakness, fainting, rapid or irregular heartbeat, increased cough or sputum production, sudden weight gain, or swelling.

Call your baby's health care provider if the infant has weight loss, poor feeding, or does not appear to be growing or developing normally.

Prevention

Follow your health care provider's advice for treatment of conditions that may cause congestive heart failure. Follow dietary guidelines and minimize or eliminate smoking and alcohol consumption.