- Symptoms of congestive heart failure, which include shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, a persistent cough, rapid weight gain, loss of appetite, nausea, inability to concentrate, irregular heartbeat, and swelling of the abdomen, legs, ankles, or feet, can be improved by changing your lifestyle. Follow a diet that limits or eliminates salt, fat, cholesterol and alcohol. Stop smoking and drink fewer fluids. Exercise, lose weight and reduce stress. Raise the head of your bed to take pressure off your chest and help you breathe better.
- Congestive heart failure patients may need rest and oxygen to feel better. Medication can be prescribed for symptoms. Digitalis helps the heart pump better, and amioderone corrects irregular heartbeat. Diuretics can remove water and salt from the blood so the heart doesn't have to pump as hard. ACE inhibitors can expand blood vessels to let the heart pump blood through them more easily. Beta blockers can slow heart rate and lower blood pressure. Digoxin makes heart muscle contractions stronger. Before taking any medication, be sure you know the risks involved. Many medications can cause side effects that are worse than the condition they're taken for.
- Doctors may be able to perform surgery that corrects the condition that caused the congestive heart failure. Bypass surgery can get more blood to the heart. A heart valve can be replaced or fixed. Aneurysms can be repaired and surgery can be done on an overactive thyroid gland. A defibrillator can be implanted to correct heart rhythm. Pacemakers, heart pumps, artificial hearts and heart transplants can relieve symptoms of congestive heart failure.
