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What is Heart Failure?
The term heart failure simply means that the heart is
not pumping blood as well as it should. Heart failure
does not mean imminent loss of life, that your heart has
stopped, or even that you are having a heart attack. It
simply means that your heart is not working as well as
it should. Heart failure can make it more difficult for
you to do things that may have been easy for you in the
past.
More information on Heart Failure.
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Treatment
Heart failure is a condition that usually cannot be cured and
must be treated and managed over a lifetime. Goals for treatment
are to:
- Treat the underlying cause of your heart failure
- Improve your symptoms and quality of life
- Stop your heart failure from getting worse
- Prolong your life span
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Patient Fran Daughtry chats with Suzy Webber, Nurse Practitioner |
Your A.W.S.E.M. Responsibilities
We recommend talking to your doctor about a treatment plan that
follows these nationally-recognized guidelines:
- Activity - One of the most
important ways that people with heart failure can maintain a
sense of well being is to keep active. Activity, including
exercise, work and sex is healthy and safe for most people.
The key to becoming more active is to start slowly.
- Weight Monitoring - Sudden
weight gain can be an early sign of fluid build up. Weigh
daily. Record, compare and keep track of your weight.
- Symptoms - When you
recognize and monitor your symptoms, you can notify your
health care providers of any changes, and they can adjust
your treatment plan as necessary.
- Eating Healthy - At the
same time that you’re limiting salt, fluids, and alcohol in
your diet, you can be adding healthy foods for balance.
- Medication - Your
doctor uses medications to balance your heart workload and
help you feel better. Some medications may prevent your
condition from getting worse.
Programs Offered
The Oregon Heart & Vascular Institute offers programs on
tobacco cessation, weight management, and maintaining proper
diet and nutrition. For a complete listing of classes, times and
locations, visit
www.ohvi.org/classes or call 541-222-2789.
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Back to OHVI Home
Oregon Heart & Vascular Institute
In Affiliation With Sacred Heart Medical Center
3311 RiverBend Drive, Springfield, OR 97477
email or phone: (541) 222-7218 or (888) 240-6484
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