Heart Disease - Common Causes and Care Plans

Living with Heart Disease

Living With Heart Disease

If you have been diagnosed with heart failure, it can be difficult to know what to expect.

More than 6 million Americans currently live with heart failure. Understanding what it is and following a treatment plan to manage your symptoms will help you enjoy a full, active life.

Causes of heart failure
Heart failure does not mean that the heart "fails" or just stops working. The heart muscle may be stiff or weak, so it isn't able to pump properly to deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to meet your body's needs. Heart failure may affect the left side or the right side of the heart, or both sides. Chronic conditions like coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and diabetes are the most common causes of heart failure. Heart valve issues, an irregular heartbeat or cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle) may also cause heart failure.

Following your care plan

With heart failure, it's important to partner closely with your health care team. This team usually includes your primary care doctor, cardiologist, dietitian, clinical nurse specialist and pharmacist. Communicate with them regularly about your symptoms and treatment plan.

This team may recommend that you:

Follow a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat, sodium, and avoid trans fats
Limit sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams a day or less
Limit fluids
Monitor your blood pressure
Monitor your heart rate
Monitor your weight daily and watch for sudden weight gain
Get regular, moderate-intensity physical activity as approved by your doctor

To Learn More Visit Our Wellness Program

Sources: American Heart Association. How can I live with heart failure? Accessed April 11, 2022.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. What is heart failure? Accessed April 11, 2022.

American Heart Association. Your heart failure health care team.

Heart Disease - Common Causes and Care Plans

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