WHAT IS HEART FAILURE?
Heart failure means the heart is not able to pump blood to the body as well as it should, therefore the heart cannot prevent fluid from backing up into the tissues of the body, such as into the lungs, abdomen and legs.
FACTORS THAT INCREASE WOMON’S RISK OF PREGNANCYRELATED HEART FAILURE
Diabetes Complications during pregnancy Preterm labor Obesity History of heart disease
SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN Swelling of the legs, ankles and feet Chest pain, shoulders and arms Difficulty breathing, sweating Bloating of the abdomen or pain in the upper portion of abdomen Cough while lying down Sudden weight gain Fatigue, dizziness Anxiety, depression
TREATMENT OF HEART FAILURE Medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics, digitalis, anticoagulants are the most effective in managing symptoms and stabilizing the heart. Follow your doctor’s orders and take medications as prescribed. Doctor will recommend heart-healthy diet with low sodium. Keeping fluids out of the tissues in the body is the goal. In some severe cases devices and surgical procedures will be necessary.
Goals for patients with pregnancy related heart failure is to improve their knowledge of etiology, symptoms, and possible complications Improve knowledge of treatment, compliance with medications and lifestyle modifications Improved knowledge of self-care and effective management of symptoms.
LIFESTYLE FACTORS
Eat a low sodium diet to prevent your body retaining fluid and therefor making heart failure worse stop smoking now Don’t drink alcohol Exercise only as your doctor advises Check blood pressure daily Weigh yourself and report weight changes to your doctor