How to manage Heart Failure
Heart failure affects more than 26 million people around the world —including an estimated 6.5 million Americans over the age of 20. Another 960,000 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. The acronym “I-NEED-HELP” can help determine if you need to seek immediate evaluation. “This ensures you will receive the fastest possible diagnosis and treatment,” I : Intravenous inotropes N : New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IIIB/IV or persistently elevated natriuretic peptides E : End-organ dysfunction E : Ejection Fraction (EF) ≤35% D : Defibrillator shocks H : Hospitalizations >1 E : Edema despite escalating diuretics L : Low systolic BP ≤90, high heart rate P : Prognostic medication; progressive intolerance or down-titration of guideline-directed medical therapy [GDMT]) 2. Ask to see a specialist. 3. Learn the facts–you’re not alone. 4. Know your options—and what fits your lifestyle 5. Talk to your doctor about a remote monitoring device. 6. Take small ...
