Sean Pinney, MD, is Director of the Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation Program at The Mount Sinai Hospital. He shared his answers to some of the most frequently asked questions of heart failure patients.
1. My health practitioner thinks I may have heart failure. Why did my health practitioner order so many different tests?
Your practitioner may order several tests in order to understand why you have heart failure and to help guide your treatment. Most of these are simple tests which can be performed in the practitioner’s office.
- Simple blood tests are done to help your heart specialist safely monitor your medications and your condition.
- An EKG shows the electrical function of your heart and can determine whether you might benefit from a pacemaker.
- An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart which allows the practitioner to see your heart muscle and heart valves.
- A cardiac catheterization is an invasive test performed in the hospital. The doctor can determine whether you have blockages in your coronary arteries and can measure how much blood your heart is pumping.
2. My heart is still working so I don’t understand how I have just been diagnosed with heart failure. Can you explain?
“Heart failure” refers to a medical condition where the heart is unable to fill or pump blood normally. This may make you feel tired, short of breath, or develop swelling in your legs or abdomen. Please speak with your practitioner if you feel any of these symptoms.
3.Is there a cure for my heart failure?
While there may not be a cure for heart failure, your practitioner can prescribe treatments which will help you feel better and live longer. These treatments are often medications which you must take every day. Other times a pacemaker may be recommended in addition to medical therapy.
4. What is the best treatment for my heart failure?
Heart failure treatments may differ from one patient to the next. However, all of them include medications and lifestyle modifications.
Actions you can take:
- Exercise daily to maintain a healthy body weight.
- Eat foods low in salt (sodium) and low in cholesterol.
- Weigh yourself every day. Call your heart specialist if your weight increases three pounds in a day or five pounds within one week.
- Take all of your medications as prescribed.
- Do not take any over the counter medications without first speaking to your practitioner. Some of these medications may make your condition worse.
- Attend regular doctor appointments.
Actions to expect from your heart failure specialist:
- Will ask you how you are feeling and if you have noticed any changes since your last doctor’s visit.
- May alter your medicines frequently.
- Will explain to you how well you are doing and whether your heart failure is under control.
5. Why is it so important for me to closely manage my heart failure symptoms?
Changes in how you feel are often the first sign that your heart failure may be worsening. If you notice a change, speak with your practitioner right away. He or she may want to change your medications to help you feel better and avoid needing to come to the hospital.
6. Is it really necessary for me to take all of these heart failure medications?
YES! It is very important to take ALL of your prescribed heart failure medications. You should review your medications with your practitioner at every office visit. Many times less important medicines can be stopped and harmful ones can be avoided.
7. With my heart failure what foods should I avoid, is it safe for me to exercise, and stay active daily?
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You have the power to make choices in what you eat to improve your health. You should avoid foods which contain a lot of salt (sodium). Many spices like Adobo also contain a lot of sodium and are best avoided. Eat a variety of foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables and lean protein sources such as fish, poultry, and lean cuts of beef. Remember to exercise every day. Walking for 30 minutes is a good way to keep your body healthy.
8. I have managed my heart failure successfully for years but lately I have been feeling much worse. What could this mean?
Having good days and bad days is normal for heart failure patients. If you notice that you are not feeling well, please speak with your practitioner. They can determine whether your symptoms are a sign of heart failure or the result of some other condition.
9. I have children. Do they need to be evaluated for heart failure?
Some types of heart failure are genetic and can be passed from one generation to the next. If you have heart failure (or heart disease) speak with your children’s practitioners. They can advise you whether your children should have screening tests performed. More often than not, these are not necessary.
10. I have heart failure. Can you tell me my life expectancy?
No one can accurately predict how long we will live. Life expectancy for heart failure patients has improved significantly over the years. Newer treatments are likely to extend heart failure patients’ lives even further.
11. Is it safe for me to engage in sexual activity?
Yes. However, talk to your health practitioner about when it is safe for you to resume sexual activity, especially if you have had surgery. Your practitioner can help answer any questions or concerns you may have. Also, remember that your partner may have questions or be concerned about you as well, so include them too.