Living with Heart Failure

Being diagnosed with heart failure is not a death sentence. Simple lifestyle changes, and treatment with modern medications can prolong and improve the quality of life of someone with heart failure.

Lifestyle measures

Lifestyle measures include

Smoking cessation
Alcohol abstinence
Weight reduction
Reduce dietary salt (Sodium) intake
Stay physically active as much as possible

Medications

Multiple medications have been proven in large-scale clinical trials to benefit patients with heart failure. Medicines can prevent hospitalisations and prolong life in these patients. The four pillars of guideline-directed medical therapy consist of:

ARNI (Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor)

Sacubitril/valsartan is preferred over ACE inhibitors or ARBs to reduce cardiac workload and improve mortality.

Beta-Blockers (specific to heart failure)

Bisoprolol, carvedilol, or nebivolol are used to lower heart rate and improve heart function.

MRA (Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist)

Spironolactone, eplerenone or finerenone reduce fluid retention and fibrosis.

SGLT2 Inhibitors

Dapagliflozin or empagliflozin reduce fluid overload and improve cardiac function.

In addition, medicines like diuretics and digoxin can further reduce symptoms in patients with heart failure.

Cardiac devices

Some patients with heart failure develop abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), which may be life-threatening. Implantation of an Automatic Implantable Cardio-Defibrillator (AICD) can prevent sudden death. In a select group of patients with heart failure who have ECG pattern of left bundle branch block, implanting a Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy Defibrillator (CRT-D) may improve symptoms and prevent sudden death.

In advanced cases of heart failure, surgery to implant Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) can allow a return to almost normal lifestyle.

Consult your doctor early if you have any of the following:

Chest pain or heaviness
Shortness of breath
Palpitations or fainting spell
New or worsening swelling
Sudden weight gain
Difficulty in performing usual activities due to tiredness or shortness of breath

Heart Health Screening

What is Heart Failure?

Exercise for your Heart

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