Heart failure is a common, serious condition. With early diagnosis and prompt treatment, people can feel better, avoid hospital stays and live longer, more active lives. In recognition of Heart Failure Awareness Week, Elena Haas, PA-C of Aultman Deuble Heart & Vascular Hospital, discusses what patients, families and communities need to know about heart failure to make safer choices.

Heart Failure

Heart failure is a chronic syndrome where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs at rest or with exertion. It is usually classified based on how strongly the left ventricle (one of the bottom heart chambers) squeezes.

Types include heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

When pumping weakens, fluid can back up into the lungs and body, and symptoms may slowly worsen over time. With the right medicines, lifestyle changes and follow-up, many people manage heart failure for years.

Warning Signs

Common symptoms include shortness of breath with activity or when lying flat, swelling of the feet, ankles, legs or belly, and sudden weight gain from fluid (for example, 2–3 pounds in 24 hours or 5 pounds in a week).

People may notice fatigue, trouble doing usual activities or a new, persistent cough or wheeze.

Chest discomfort, fast or irregular heartbeat or confusion in older adults can also signal that the heart is struggling and needs medical attention.

Risk Factors You Can't Ignore

Conditions that strain the heart over time raise the risk of heart failure, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, prior heart attack, diabetes and kidney disease.

Older age, family history of heart disease and some valve or heart muscle diseases also increase your risk. Knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and kidney function – and keeping them in a healthy range – can help prevent or delay heart failure.

How Patients and Families Can Help

Daily habits matter. Take medicines exactly as prescribed, weigh yourself every morning and call your care team if weight or symptoms suddenly change.

You can help reduce flare-ups and hospitalizations by limiting salt (often about 2 grams per day), staying active as advised and keeping your follow-up visits.

Family members and friends can help those with heart failure by supporting their loved one’s action plan, watching for early warning signs and encouraging healthy routines.

For more information on heart failure, visit the American Heart Association’s heart failure web page or the Heart Failure Society of America’s patient hub.