You’re in heart failure.

Hearing these words from your healthcare provider is often a startling experience, but one that happens frequently. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 6.7 million adults in the United States are living with heart failure, a number expected to increase to 8.5 million by 2030.

Heart failure is a serious, incurable condition that presents many ongoing challenges, from managing symptoms to preventing complications. The good news is that you can still live a long and fulfilling life with heart failure, especially if you have the right knowledge and support.

With its network of experienced cardiologists and primary care providers, the TopLine MD Alliance offers trusted, accessible care for people living with heart failure. This blog provides valuable information on the early warning signs of a heart failure flare-up, how to self-monitor heart failure symptoms, lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart failure flare-ups, and the importance of having a strong partnership with your care team.

What causes heart failure?

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, occurs when your heart muscle is weakened or damaged and cannot pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in your lungs, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid or irregular heartbeat, swelling, and more.

Before we discuss heart failure flare-ups, it’s helpful to understand what causes heart failure. Any of the conditions below can weaken or damage your heart, leading to heart failure:

  • Coronary artery disease – The build-up of fatty deposits in your arteries makes them narrower, reducing blood flow.
  • Heart attack – A Heart attack occurs suddenly when blood flow to your heart is completely blocked.
  • High blood pressure – High blood pressure (also called hypertension) forces your heart to work harder to pump blood through your body.
  • Heart valve disease – If a valve in your heart isn’t working properly, it also forces your heart to work harder to pump blood.
  • Arrhythmia – Irregular heart rhythms can cause your heart to beat too fast or too slow.
  • Other health conditions – Severe infections, illnesses, blood clots, and chronic health conditions like diabetes and HIV can cause lasting heart damage.

Your heart can also be weakened or damaged by genetics, heavy alcohol or drug use, certain medications, and more. As part of your heart health care, your TopLine MD Alliance Network provider will confirm the cause(s) of your heart failure and provide recommendations to help you prevent future flare-ups.

What are the early warning signs of a heart failure flare-up?

Once you are diagnosed with heart failure, flare-ups can happen at any time. A heart failure flare-up is a sudden worsening of your heart failure symptoms due to reduced blood flow and fluid build-up.

Some early warning signs of a heart failure flare-up include:

  • Shortness of breath– You have to breathe harder, even during routine activities or while resting. You may also wake up at night and be short of breath or coughing.
  • Fatigue – You wake up feeling more tired than usual.
  • Weakness – You feel weak or dizzy throughout the day.
  • Heartbeat changes – You have chest pain or feel your heart beating irregularly.
  • Swelling – Your legs and/or feet are puffier, making your clothes and shoes feel tight. You may have trouble getting rings on or off your fingers.
  • Coughing – You have a cough that won’t go away.
  • Sudden weight gain – Gaining even a few pounds can be a sign that your body is retaining fluid.

Any of these symptoms can be due to heart failure, although there are many other possible causes as well. Contact your TopLine MD Alliance Network provider right away, especially if you already have a heart failure diagnosis or if your symptoms suddenly get worse.

Call 911 for emergency care if you experience any of the following:

  • Chest pain
  • Sudden or severe shortness of breath
  • Fainting
  • Severe weakness
  • Coughing up white or pink foamy mucus

How often should you check your weight, blood pressure, and pulse?

After a heart failure diagnosis, you play an active role in monitoring your heart health at home and watching for symptom changes. Ideally, you can identify any problems before they become serious, consult with your TopLine MD Alliance Network provider, and avoid a hospital stay.

Weigh yourself daily

Weighing yourself daily is one of the best ways to detect the early signs of fluid build-up, which can worsen heart failure. Follow these steps to get the most accurate weight possible:

  • Weigh yourself at the same time each morning: after you urinate, but before you eat or drink.
  • Always use the same scale, which should be placed on a hard, flat surface without carpet.
  • Weigh yourself with no clothing or wear the same type of clothing each time.
  • Record your weight daily on a calendar, in a notebook, or on a tracking app.
  • Contact your TopLine MD Alliance Network provider if you gain more than 2 pounds in one day or more than 5 pounds in one week.

Blood pressure monitoring

Blood pressure monitoring is also recommended for most people with heart failure. Taking two readings in the morning and two readings in the evening, at consistent times each day, for several days in a row, helps provide a comprehensive picture of your blood pressure.

Your TopLine MD Alliance Network provider can give you personalized instructions on how often to perform blood pressure checks at home. To get an accurate reading, be sure to:

  • Use an automatic, cuff-style arm monitor.
  • Measure your upper arm to ensure the monitor is the correct cuff size.
  • Never use a blood pressure monitor over clothing; remove clothing from your arm first.
  • Support your arm on a hard, flat surface, keeping your upper arm at heart level.
  • Rest for a few moments before the test begins and remain still throughout.
  • Take readings at the same time each day (morning and evening).

Check your pulse each day

Your TopLine MD Alliance Network provider can also recommend how often to check your pulse, but most people with heart failure should check it daily or several times per week, especially if they have a rapid or irregular heartbeat at times.

Here’s how to take your pulse correctly:

  • Rest for several minutes first to get an accurate resting heart rate.
  • Use your index and middle fingers to find your pulse at a major artery, such as the side of your neck or inside your wrist.
  • Count the beats for 60 seconds to calculate your beats per minute (BPM).
  • Record your BPM on a calendar, in a notebook, or on a tracking app.

What other information should you share with your provider during check-ups?

The TopLine MD Alliance is committed to providing you with proactive, patient-centered care, always keeping the lines of communication open so you feel more in control of your heart health.

For check-ups, please bring a detailed list of your heart failure symptoms, including any new or worsening symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid or irregular heartbeat, swelling, or weight gain. Take note of when your symptoms started and how often they occur.

You should also bring a list of all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Be prepared to discuss your medical and family history as well, especially if you have a family history of heart disease or heart failure.

Your TopLine MD Alliance Network provider will also ask about your lifestyle habits, and that’s where many people can make significant improvements in their heart health.

What lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of flare-ups?

Making certain lifestyle changes can play a crucial role in reducing your heart failure symptoms and helping you live a longer, healthier life. Even small changes can make a big difference.

Eat a nutritious, low-salt diet

Eating a variety of lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is good for your heart. Reducing your sodium (salt) intake to 2,000 milligrams or less per day helps reduce fluid build-up and swelling. Try to limit saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sugary drinks, and processed foods as well. Your TopLine MD Alliance Network provider can help create a heart-healthy diet plan for you.

Be physically active

Moderate activities like walking, swimming, and climbing stairs help strengthen your heart and increase your stamina. If you’re not physically active, ask your provider for specific exercise recommendations. You should start slowly, increasing the duration and intensity gradually. Always take time to warm up and cool down, avoiding heavy lifting and extreme temperatures.

Quit smoking

Studies show that smokers are twice as likely to develop heart failure compared to non-smokers. Smoking damages your blood vessels, increases your blood pressure, and reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood, all of which can cause flare-ups.

Get enough rest

Sleeping well at night and taking moments to rest during the day gives your heart the chance to pump blood more easily. Try to put your feet up for 5 minutes every couple of hours. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime and propping up your head with pillows, especially if you tend to wake up with shortness of breath or coughing, can help you get better sleep.

Manage stress

Protecting your mental health is just as important as your physical health, especially if you have heart failure. Stress triggers cause your heart to pound and make you breathe harder, putting extra strain on your cardiovascular system. Meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Reach out to family members and friends or speak to a mental health professional if you need additional support.

Find a TopLine MD Alliance Network provider today

The TopLine MD Alliance was created by physicians who came together to make healthcare experiences better for patients. We help patients navigate the healthcare system, connecting them with top-of-the-line healthcare providers, practices, diagnostic centers, and imaging centers we trust.

To learn more, find a provider near you today.

The TopLine MD Alliance is an association of independent physicians and medical practice groups who are committed to providing a higher standard of healthcare services. The members of the TopLine MD Alliance have no legal or financial relationship with one another. The TopLine MD Alliance brand has no formal corporate, financial or legal ties to any of the physicians or practice groups in the network.