Congestive Heart Failure | Members | Sentara Health Plans

More than six million adults in the U.S. have heart failure1, and is the leading cause of hospital admissions for persons over age 65².

Congestive heart failure happens when the heart is not able to pump blood effectively, which can cause your organs to receive inadequate blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Fluid builds up in your body’s tissue and can cause increased pressure on your heart.

Congestive heart failure is a progressive condition that can worsen over time. It’s important to work with your physician

Sentara Health Plans can help.

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Heart Failure Action Plan
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PDF, 178 KBLast Updated: 05/29/2024

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Risk Factors

Symptoms

Symptoms of congestive heart failure can range from mild to severe, and can be constant or intermittent.

Symptoms include:

weight gain
coughing
congested lungs
fluid retention
dizziness
fatigue or weakness
rapid or irregular heartbeats
shortness of breath or chest pain
discomfort during activity

If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your physician. Your physician can perform a physical exam and other tests to determine the cause and severity of your heart failure.

Management and Treatment

Prevent your condition from getting worse:

keep your blood pressure in a healthy range
quit smoking, chewing tobacco, or vaping
monitor your symptoms
contact your physician if you experience rapid weight changes or swelling
maintain fluid balance
limit salt intake
manage your weight
take your medications as prescribed
schedule regular appointments with your physician

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There is no cure for congestive heart failure, but you can prevent it from getting worse. Medication, lifestyle changes, and cardiac rehabilitation are a few options. Work with your physician to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Additional Resources

¹National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-failure

²WebMD®, www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide-heart-failure