Overview

Although good management can slow heart failure's progress, it is generally a progressive disease. As the patient's condition advances, the patient's healthcare team will intensity its efforts, adding or changing drugs or raising dosages and stressing the need for the patient to adopt a more healthful lifestyle.

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Note: Certain types of heart failure actually can be reversed—not just slowed. For example, if serious valve disease caused the heart failure, surgery to fix the valve might "cure" the patient's heart failure. Similarly, when heart failure is the result of heavy drinking, stopping drinking can reverse the condition.

This section discusses:

• Your management team
• The stages of heart failure
• Medications
• Lifestyle-related goals
• When to call your doctor
• When to call 911 or go to the emergency room
• The years to come