HF is generally considered to be a chronic condition, which means it won’t go away and requires ongoing management. Heart Failure may cause sudden symptoms that may require immediate physician attention.

Heart Failure decreases the heart’s ability to pump, which causes fluid to build up in tissues. This fluid buildup results in swelling.

Canned food often contains high amounts of salt, which can cause the body to retain water and make some HF symptoms worse. For this reason, people with HF should try to stay away from foods high in salt.

Feeling short of breath, especially at night when lying down, is a common HF symptom. Since the heart’s pumping ability is decreased when you have HF, blood that normally travels from the lungs to the heart can back up. This causes fluid to build up in the lung tissues, which results in shortness of breath.

While some people with HF may not be healthy enough for exercise, daily physical activity can be an important part of many HF treatment plans. If you have HF, talk to your doctor about what kinds of activities might be right for you.