The main function of the heart is to move blood that needs oxygen from the rest of the body through the right side of the heart into the circulation in the lungs where it gains oxygen to move through the left side of the heart and back out into the body for use by cells.

Adequate oxygen and nutrient levels in the body are determined by how well the heart functions. The amount of blood put out by the heart is called cardiac output. At different times the body needs different amounts of cardiac output and the heart is usually able to adjust and provide what is needed. For example, when you are sleeping, your body needs less cardiac output and the heart slows down. When you are running, your body needs more and your heart speeds up. Some people recover from their heart speeding up faster because they have what is called a cardiac reserve. This happens in athletes.

Cardiac output is what tells us how well the heart is functioning. Cardiac output tells us how much blood is pumped out of the heart with each heart beat. There are several kinds of heart failure but we will not be that specific for this article.  There are also several stages of heart failure.

People who are at high risk for heart failure may have high blood pressure, coronary heart disease (hardening of the arteries), diabetes, alcohol abuse o4r a family history of heart disease. There are many other reasons but these are a few we see most often.  Someone who has symptoms of heart disease may have shortness of breath and tire easily. Their physician may have diagnosed it and they are on medications or are frequently in the hospital with symptoms.

There are several physical manifestations of heart failure. Some do not occur unless the disease progresses and many people are under control forr a long period of time now. The respiratory system is involved in the symptoms. The person may be short of breath. This is caused by a congestion in the circulation in the lungs. This may be perceived shortness of breath (breathlessness) or shortness of breath caused by activity. There may also be a shortness of breath caused from lying flat (orthropnea).

There may be fatigue, weakness or confusion. This is usually caused by a lower cardiac output. This fatigue is usually different to the patient than other fatigue. Confusion occurs when cardiac output is very low and the brain receives to little oxygen. This may also cause apprehension, anxiety, restlessness, and inability to sleep. Fluid retention may occur or swelling the feet and ankles. This occurs because of pressure on the veins in the system or the inability of the body to send all of the fluid back to the heart.

Good diagnosis is crucial and a physician may do many tests in an attempt to determine the cause of the heart failure. The goals of treatment is then set by your physician and may vary depending on the severity of he heart failure. Stabilizing you and treating your symptoms will surely be in your care plan.  There may also be exercise training, salt restriction, possible fluid restriction, weight management, counseling, health teaching and ongoing evaluation programs. There may also be oxygen therapy. Whatever is determined in your care, your physician will have individualized for you and it is recommended that you seriously follow his orders.