Caregivers & Family

Commonly Asked Questions

1. Is heart failure the same as a heart attack?

Being diagnosed with heart failure isn't the same as having a heart attack. The two conditions, though sometimes related (an earlier heart attack can lead to the muscle damage that is a precursor to heart failure) are completely different. Heart failure means the heart has become progressively weaker over time and cannot pump enough blood to adequately supply the rest of the body. A heart attack refers to the sudden death of, or damage to, part of the heart muscle due to insufficient blood supply.

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2. How many people have heart failure?

According to the American Heart Association, nearly five million Americans are living with heart failure, and there are almost 550,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

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3. What are the symptoms of heart failure?

As heart failure worsens, symptoms become more obvious. Individuals with heart failure can experience shortness of breath when performing seemingly easy activities like walking across the room or brushing their hair. As one becomes sicker, difficulty in breathing is experienced, even at rest. Legs and ankles may swell as the body retains water. Feeling weak and tired is common. Ordinary daily activities like going to the grocery store or walking up a flight of stairs become impossible without multiple stops to rest and catching ones' breath.

For more details and a complete list of heart failure symptoms, click here.

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4. What kind of physician specializes in heart failure?

Cardiologists, heart failure cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons and electrophysiologists treat heart failure patients. As specialists in the structure, function and disorders of the heart, cardiologists are the first line of treatment for many heart failure patients. Heart failure cardiologists focus exclusively on patients with this condition. If surgery is necessary, a cardiothoracic surgeon or electrophysiologist will be involved.

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5. How is heart failure diagnosed?

Several tests are used to diagnose heart failure. An echocardiogram is the primary diagnostic test. It uses sound waves to produce pictures of the walls, chambers and valves of the heart to determine what the heart is capable of pumping. Other tests include chest x-rays, EKG (electrocardiogram), MRI, exercise tolerance testing and blood panels.

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6. Is there a cure for heart failure?

While there is no specific cure for heart failure, the good news is that with proper medical care symptoms can be improved. Living a healthier lifestyle by limiting your risk factors and taking your medications as directed can make a big difference in improving your condition and quality of life.

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7. What are the treatment options?

Even though heart failure is a chronic condition, there are many treatment options available that can slow disease progression and improve quality of life. In fact, the outlook for heart failure patients is more encouraging than ever before.

In the very early stages, lifestyle changes and medical management can be enough to control the symptoms of heart failure. However, as the disease progresses, advanced-stage heart failure patients may find that, though important, lifestyle changes and drug therapy may not be enough to relieve symptoms. At this point physicians and patients may consider cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), heart transplantation and/or a heart pump called a ventricular assist device (VAD) that helps maintain the pumping ability of the heart.

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8. Are there informational websites and support groups for heart failure patients?

HeartHope.com is designed to provide useful information about heart failure and connect individuals with a qualified network of healthcare professionals dedicated to providing advanced treatment options. To find a Heart Hope Network Specialist or a Heart Hope Center, click here.

For additional links to care and support resources, click here.

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