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Heart Failure

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about heart failure:	Reference What is heart failure? Opens New Window Reference What causes it? Reference What are the symptoms? Reference What increases my risk? Reference When do I need to see my doctor? Reference How does my heart work? Reference What is cardiac output? Reference How does my heart control the timing of its beat?
Being diagnosed:	Reference How will my doctor diagnose heart failure? Reference What is an echocardiogram? Reference Should I see a specialist?
Getting treatment:	Reference How is heart failure treated? Reference Which medicines will I need to take? Reference Do I need surgery? Opens New Window Should I get a pacemaker (cardiac resynchronization therapy) for heart failure? Opens New Window Opens New Window Should I get an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for heart failure? Opens New Window
Ongoing concerns:	Reference How often will I see my doctor? Reference Reference How do I avoid triggers for sudden heart failure?
Living with heart failure:	Reference What is self-care for heart failure? Reference What lifestyle changes should I make? Reference Reference How do I take my medicines properly? Reference Reference How can I cut back on salt? Reference Reference How do I watch my fluids? Reference Reference How do I check my weight? Reference Reference Can I eat out when I'm on a low-salt diet? Reference Reference What type of exercise is safe? Reference Reference How do I use oxygen at home? Reference Reference What do I need to know about living with an ICD? Reference Reference What do I need to know about living with a pacemaker?
End-of-life issues:	Reference How can I learn more about care at the end of life? Reference How do I write an advance directive? Reference How do I choose a health care agent?

By:	Reference Healthwise Staff	Last Revised: Reference October 22, 2012
Medical Review:	Reference Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology Reference Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Health Information

Heart Failure

Frequently Asked Questions

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