Heart Failure is a disease of epidemic proportions in both the United States and in other countries around the world. In the United States, heart failure represents the most common diagnosis at the time of discharge for patients over age 65. And, it is not surprising that the economic cost for caring for patients with heart failure may exceed $40 billion in the next year.

So, what is heart failure (or congestive heart failure)? It does not mean that your heart has stopped. It does not mean that you have had a heart attack. It means that your heart doesn't work as well as it should. The heart is weak and has a hard time pumping enough blood. Heart failure is different in each person. Most people manage their heart failure with medicines, diet and periods of rest and are able to have a good quality of life.

What causes heart failure? Heart failure usually happens when another problem makes the heart weak. Coronary artery disease, a condition where some of the heart's blood vessels are narrowed, is a common cause of heart failure. Other conditions that can lead to heart failure include heart attacks, high blood pressure, infection of the heart muscle, and problems with the heart's valves. When something damages the heart, the heart muscle pumps with less force, so less blood moves through the heart. In an attempt to keep the same amount of blood moving through the body, the chambers stretch to hold more blood. This helps keep the blood moving, but only for awhile. The stretched-out muscle soon tires and can't pump blood like it should.

Because your weakened heart moves less blood with each pump, fluid backs up in the lungs. Less blood moving through your body also means less oxygen is delivered to organs like your kidneys. Your kidneys help your body get rid of excess water. If they're not working right, excess water may settle in different parts of your body. As a result, your body becomes congested with fluid, which is why the condition is called congestive heart failure. Your lungs may also fill with fluid, making it hard to catch your breath, and your ankles and feet may collect excess water, making them swell.

How does heart failure feel? Here are some common symptoms. You may have several of these symptoms or only one.

• A 3-4 pound weight gain within 1-2 days.
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing when you exert yourself.
• Weakness or tiredness.
• Problems breathing when you're lying down.
• Swollen ankles or feet. Stomach bloating.
• Dizzy spells.
• Waking up at night coughing or short of breath.

What can you do about heart failure? Heart failure will not go away, but you and your doctor can work together to help make your life more comfortable.

• Your doctor can prescribe medications to improve the way your heart pumps and relieve some of your symptoms.
• Make sure you take your medications as prescribed.
• What you eat and drink is very important in managing heart failure. Follow these guidelines: No more than 2,000 mg (1 teaspoon) of sodium per day; no more than 8 cups of fluid per day (or as prescribed by you doctor).
• Weigh yourself at the same time each day wearing the same clothing. If you gain 3-4 pounds in 1-2 days call your doctor. This usually means your body is holding fluid.
• Light exercise is fine, but avoid intense exercise. Space out your activities, and rest or stop if any symptoms occur.
• Avoid heavy lifting. For most people, this is anything over 20 pounds.
• Avoid very hot and very cold temperatures.
• Stop smoking.
• Lose weight. Extra body weight makes your heart work harder.
• Keep your appointments with your doctor so he/she can monitor your condition.

With the right care, your heart won't stop you from doing many of the things you like to do.

(This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem).