Heart Failure
Approximately 300,000 Australians are believed to suffer from chronic heart failure at any one time, and at least 10 per cent of Australians aged over 65 years will develop the condition. Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle has become too weak to pump blood through the body as effectively as normal. This causes blood to 'dam up' behind the heart and fluid to collect in the lungs and other body tissues (oedema). This can result in tiredness, shortness of breath and swelling in the legs or ankles.
Heart failure has many causes, including previous heart attack, long standing high blood pressure or a faulty heart valve. Excess alcohol intake and certain viral infections can also cause heart failure. It is usually a serious condition, but can be effectively treated with modern drugs.
Useful information for people with heart failure or their carers can be found in the Information Sheet below. This includes the 'Action Plan' which instruct what are important to watch out for everyday, and when patients or carers should call their health professional or ambulance. This Information Sheet is a summary version of the booklet "Living well with chronic heart failure". To order your copy, call us on 1300 36 27 87 (local call cost) or by email.
Resources
Information Sheet on Chronic Heart Failure (includes Action Plan)
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