cvmchospital.org 3 Comprehensive care 5 facts to know about heart failure If you are at risk for heart failure, you might be overwhelmed with information. Here are five simple facts to help you understand the basics. 1Heart failure is common. About 6.2 million adults in the United States have heart failure. By 2030, that number is expected to be 8 million adults. If you have experienced heart failure, you are not alone. 2Blood tests can be used to diagnose and monitor heart failure. Your primary care provider (PCP) may ask about your medical and family health history during your physical exam. If heart failure is suspected, a brain natriuretic peptide test may be ordered. This blood test measures the levels of hormones that are released in your blood if the heart is damaged. You may then be referred to a cardiologist for further testing, depending on the results. 3Heart failure symptoms change over time. These are some of the common symptoms, which may not be noticeable at first but worsen over time: ➜ Shortness of breath while active, at rest or lying down. ➜ Weight gain with swelling in the legs and stomach. ➜ Feeling tired and weak. ➜ Coughing or wheezing that persists. Heart failure can also slowly develop from chronic medical conditions, such as: ➜ Irregular heartbeat. ➜ Coronary artery disease. ➜ Diabetes. ➜ High blood pressure. ➜ Severe lung diseases. ➜ Obesity. Heart failure can also occur suddenly, following a heart attack or other event. 4Treatments for heart failure are effective. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing sodium intake and getting daily exercise, can help manage symptoms. A treatment plan can include medications, medical devices and surgeries. 5Healthy choices can prevent or delay heart failure. Keep your heart healthy by: ➜ Eating healthy foods. ➜ Exercising daily. ➜ Reducing your daily stress. ➜ Avoiding nicotine and alcohol. Work with your PCP to manage health conditions if you are at risk for heart failure. We care for…more than you thought CVMC is your comprehensive community healthcare system, with six locations throughout Carson Valley and Topaz Ranch. Our expanding services include: • Cancer care • Cardiology services • Emergency room/ICU • Hospital inpatient care • Infusion treatments • Lab services • Medical/diagnostic imaging • Mental/behavioral health • Nutrition counseling • Occupational and travel medicine • Orthopedic services • Pediatric therapy • Physical medicine and rehabilitation • Rehabilitation and Outpatient Therapy Center • Respiratory therapy • Rheumatology • Sleep studies • Surgery and roboticassisted surgery • Swing bed • Urgent care • Urology • Wound care Caring for you, close to home. For more information, visit cvmchospital.org or call 775-782-1500. Sources: American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; MedlinePlus; National Institutes of Health
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzIxMDA=