Heart Failure

Heart failure is a complex condition that can result from any disorder that affects the ability of the heart to pump blood adequately to meet the demands of the body.Prevalence increases with advancing age. Causes of heart failure:

• Coronary heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Heart valve problems
• Abnormalities of heart rhythm
• Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathies)
• Diabetes
• Alcohol related heart disease
• Thyroid heart disease

Symptoms

• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Limitation of physical activities
• Leg swelling

Complications

• Limitation in activities of daily living
• Frequent hospital admissions
• High death rate (about 10-50% die in a year depending on severity)

Treatment

Non Pharmacological

• Fluids and salt restriction
• Regular exercise as tolerated
• Stop smoking and alcohol

Pharmacological

• Medications are available to improve symptoms and survival
• Optimize treatment of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and abnormal heart rhythm
• It is vital to take medicines regularly as advised by your doctor

Prevention

• Healthy lifestyle:
  • Exercise (as advised by doctor)
  • Healthy diet
  • No smoking and alcohol
  • To get early treatment and good control on :
    • Hypertension
    • High cholesterol
    • Diabetes
    • Coronary heart disease
    • Abnormal heart rhythm

Rehabilitation

Structured and targeted rehabilitation program to achieve optimal functions and quality of life.

Support Groups

• Yayasan Jantung Malaysia / The Heart Foundation of Malaysia (www.yjm.org.my)