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Expectations (prognosis)
Heart failure is a serious disorder. Everything possible should be done to prevent the heart's pumping problems from getting worse. There is no cure, but many forms of heart failure can be controlled with medication, addressing the underlying disorders, and using implanted devices with defibrillation capabilities.
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of congestive heart failure and your symptoms change, worsen, or do not improve with treatment.
Also call if chest pain, weakness, fainting, rapid or irregular heartbeat, sudden weight gain, swelling, or other new or unexplained symptoms develop.
Prevention
Follow your health care provider's recommendations for treating conditions that may cause congestive heart failure. Follow dietary guidelines -- in particular, reduce salty foods and avoid adding salt to meals -- stop smoking, and cut alcohol use.
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Reviewer Info: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 11/06/2006 |
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