Heart failure - treatment, causes, living with it and more

<!DOCTYPE html>  <html lang="en-AU"> <head> <title>Heart failure - treatment, causes, living with it and more | healthdirect</title> <script src="https://www.google.com/recaptcha/api.js?render=6LeuO7AbAAAAAFFZKM3tkkJpyASWHzTJ-_fpMK7y" async defer></script> <meta name="apple-itunes-app" content="app-id=1021494621"> <meta name="description" content="Heart failure is when the heart struggles to pump enough blood. The diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it’s possible to live well with this condition."> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <meta name="referrer" content="always" /> <meta name="DC.Format" schema="DCterms:IMT" content="http://purl.org/ontology/nhccn#text_html" /><meta name="DC.Type" content="http://purl.org/ontology/nhccn#text_html"> <meta name="DC.Title" xml:lang="EN" content="Heart failure" /> <meta name="DC.Creator" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Subject" xml:lang="EN" content="Heart health,Heart Failure"> <meta name="DC.Publisher" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Date" scheme="ISO8601" content="2024-11-11T01:56:48.187Z"> <meta name="DC.Description" xml:lang="EN" content="Heart failure is when the heart struggles to pump enough blood. The diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it’s possible to live well with this condition."> <meta name="DC.Rights" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Language" content="en-AU"> <meta property="og:title" content="Heart failure" > <meta property="og:type" content="article" > <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure" > <meta property="og:image" content="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/healthdirect_logo.png"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure"> <link rel="amphtml" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/amp/article/heart-failure"> <script type="application/ld+json">{"mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is heart failure?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Question1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What is heart failure? Answer","text":"Heart failure (also known as ‘congestive heart failure’ or CHF) occurs when your heart muscle has become too weak to pump blood effectively through your body. It can also happen if your heart becomes too stiff to fill up with blood properly, so not enough blood is pumped around your body. As a result, your muscles and organs don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients. This may cause fluid to build up in your body and make you feel breathless or tired. Heart failure is usually an ongoing (chronic) condition — unlike heart attacks, which occur suddenly and require immediate treatment (acute). However, the conditions can be related: a heart attack can cause ongoing muscle weakness and stiffness that leads to long-term heart failure. In some cases, symptoms of heart failure can also start suddenly. Heart failure is common, with around 110,000 people in Australia living with heart failure. Around 2 in 3 people with heart failure in Australia are male.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Answer1"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the symptoms of heart failure?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Question2","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What are the symptoms of heart failure? Answer","text":"A key symptom of heart failure is difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath. You may notice it in the following ways: You may find physical activity difficult. You may wake up during the night with shortness of breath. You may find it uncomfortable to lie flat, as that can make it difficult to breathe normally. Other common signs of heart failure include: weakness or fatigue swelling in your legs, ankles and feet (oedema) swelling or bloating in your stomach coughing chest pain (angina), if you have previously had a heart attack dizziness These symptoms can occur due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching your muscles and organs and the build-up of fluid in your body.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Answer2"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"When should I call an ambulance?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Question3","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"When should I call an ambulance? Answer","text":"These symptoms can be the sign of a serious problem that needs urgent treatment: difficulty breathing chest pain that’s severe or worsening, or has lasted longer than 10 minutes chest pain that feels heavy, crushing or tight other symptoms, such as breathlessness, nausea, dizziness, or a cold sweat pain in your jaw or down your left arm If you have any of the symptoms above, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Answer3"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What causes heart failure?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Question4","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What causes heart failure? Answer","text":"Damage, weakness and stiffness to your heart commonly develop after a heart attack or coronary heart disease. Other causes may include: long-term conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure). high cholesterol and HIV damage to the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) caused by infection, excessive alcohol use and certain medicines faulty heart valves certain conditions you were born with, such as congenital heart disease or thyroid disorders pregnancy, which causes your heart to work harder than normal Your doctor will investigate why you developed your heart failure. Understanding what caused it can help you and your doctor decide on the best way to treat it. For information on how COVID-19 affects the heart, visit the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute website.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Answer4"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How is heart failure diagnosed?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Question5","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"How is heart failure diagnosed? Answer","text":"Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and your family medical history, and perform a physical examination. There are several tests that help to confirm a diagnosis of heart failure, and identify which type it is: echocardiogram (‘echo’): high-frequency sound waves are used to examine the shape and function of your heart electrocardiogram (ECG): electrical leads are placed on your chest, arms and legs to record the electrical signals travelling through your heart muscle blood tests chest x-ray angiogram (or coronary catheterisation): fluid is inserted through a small tube (catheter) to show whether your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Answer5"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can I prevent heart failure?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Question6","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"How can I prevent heart failure? Answer","text":"Not all causes of heart failure can be prevented. The best way to prevent heart failure is by preventing coronary heart disease and heart attack. To improve your health and reduce your risk of heart disease, you can: quit smoking follow a healthy diet see your doctor to help manage your cholesterol and blood pressure stay physically active maintain a healthy weight drink alcohol in moderation reduce stress and look after your mental wellbeing If you have had a heart attack, it’s even more important to manage your risk factors and follow your treatment plan. Make sure you check in frequently with your healthcare team. Some risk factors — such as your age, whether you have other health conditions, or your genes — are outside your control. Speak with your doctor if you have concerns about developing heart failure, and how you can manage it.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Answer6"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How is heart failure treated?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Question7","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"How is heart failure treated? Answer","text":"While there is no treatment to reverse or cure heart failure, there are things you can do to help you live longer and enjoy a better quality of life. Lifestyle changes Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important to help you manage heart failure. This includes: Managing fluid balance: monitor how much fluid you drink and take diuretic medicines if prescribed by your doctor. Don’t have more than 2 drinks containing caffeine in a day. Limiting salt intake: salt makes your body retain fluid, so eat foods low in salt and avoid adding salt to your food. Becoming smoke-free: cigarette smoke damages your artery walls and reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood. Limiting alcohol intake: alcohol can damage your heart. Limit your drinking to 1 to 2 standard drinks a day, or stop drinking altogether if your heart failure was caused by alcohol. Joining a support program: ask your doctor to recommend a program for people living with chronic heart failure. This might include specialised support from health professionals such as nurses, dietitians and exercise specialists. Medicines Heart failure is also treated with medicines. These can help you live longer and stay out of hospital. These may include: medicines to lower blood pressure and reduce strain on your heart, such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) beta-blockers to help your heart pump slower and stronger aldosterone antagonists to help control your blood pressure diuretics to help reduce fluid build-up that leads to swelling in your body You might also need medicine to treat angina, if you have it. If you think your medicine is not working, is causing you problems or you have any questions, talk to your doctor. Do not stop taking your medicines without talking to your doctor first. Other treatments\nIn some cases, you may need a surgical or medical device to help maintain regular heart function, such as:\n\nan implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD): a small box that detects and corrects abnormal heart rhythms\na pacemaker: a small device that electrically stimulates the heart to keep a regular rhythm\nbypass surgery (coronary bypass surgery): which improves blood flow to your heart\nheart valve repair or replacement\nFor some people with severe heart failure, the only option may be a heart transplant. After a heart transplant, you will need to be on lifelong anti-rejection medicines and maintain a healthy lifestyle.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Answer7"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do I live with heart failure?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Question8","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"How do I live with heart failure? Answer","text":"In addition to your treatment, there are things you can do to feel better: Maintain a healthy weight — do some physical activity each day and eat fresh, healthy food. Talk to your doctor about keeping your vaccinations up to date, such as the flu vaccine and others. Talk to your family or support person about what’s important to you, and what steps you want to take to reduce the impact of heart failure on your life. Living with heart failure can be emotionally and physically challenging. Hearing stories from others who have experienced heart conditions may be reassuring and can help you know what to ask your doctor or specialist. Go to the Heart Foundation website for real-life 'heart stories'. Resources and support If you want to know more about heart failure, talk to your doctor or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak to, 24 hours, 7 days a week. For more information and support, try these resources: Watch the Heart Foundation’s video series on living well with heart failure, or download the booklet. Discover some of the latest Australian research on how COVID-19 impacts the heart at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. The Heart Foundation Services and Support information page provides important phone numbers, information and services to support you in your heart health recovery. Other languages Do you prefer to read languages other than English? The Heart Foundation has fact sheets on heart health translated into more than 25 languages.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure#Answer8"}}],"@type":"FAQPage","name":"Heart failure","description":"Heart failure is when the heart struggles to pump enough blood. The diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it’s possible to live well with this condition.","dateModified":"2023-04-24T11:15:00Z","associatedMedia":"https://youtu.be/2yzKwhgIvYU","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure","@context":"http://schema.org","url":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure","sameAs":["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q181754","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_failure"]}</script> <script src="https://cdn-oc.readspeaker.com/script/8207/webReader/webReader.js?pids=wr" type="text/javascript" id="rs_req_Init"></script> <script> dataLayer = []; </script>  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MHFB33K');</script>  <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="/assets/images/apple-touch-icon.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="512x512" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-512x512.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="192x192" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-192x192.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="/assets/images/favicon-32x32.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="16x16" href="/assets/images/favicon-16x16.png">  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/assets/711/styles/main.css"> <style type="text/css"> .grecaptcha-badge{ display:none; 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}; function onError(error) {}</script> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> initialiseSocialShare('socialshare-node-desktop-mode', "https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure"); </script> </span> </div> <div id="readspeaker_button1" class="rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve"> <a rel="nofollow" class="rsbtn_play" accesskey="L" title="Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker" href="//app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=8207&lang=en_au&readid=mainContentArticleText&url=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-failure"> <span class="rsbtn_left rsimg rspart"><span class="rsbtn_text"><span>Listen</span></span></span> <span class="rsbtn_right rsimg rsplay rspart"></span> </a> </div> </header> <div class="main_content-body-text"><div class="cont_layout-container"> <div class="cont_layout-media-object"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object-left dor-icon_warning" style="color:#e25553; font-size: 36px;"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object-right cont_label-small"><strong>Call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance if you, or someone you know, is having a difficulty breathing or chest pain that lasts longer than 10 minutes.</strong></p> </div> </div> <div class="cont_layout-standout"> <h2 id="key-facts">Key facts</h2> <ul> <li>Heart failure is a condition where your heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should.</li> <li>Heart failure is usually a long-term condition — unlike heart attacks, which occur suddenly.</li> <li>Common symptoms of heart failure include breathlessness, fatigue, swollen legs and a fast heartbeat.</li> <li>Heart failure can’t be cured, but there are things you can do to help you improve your quality of life.</li> <li>You can manage your heart failure with lifestyle changes, medicines and sometimes surgery.</li> </ul> </div> <nav class="cont_nav-index-table__double-col"> <h2>On this page</h2> <ul> <li><a href="#what-is">What is heart failure?</a></li> <li><a href="#symptoms">What are the symptoms of heart failure?</a></li> <li><a href="#ambulance">When should I call an ambulance?</a></li> <li><a href="#types">What are the different types of heart failure?</a></li> <li><a href="#causes">What causes heart failure?</a></li> <li><a href="#diagnosis">How is heart failure diagnosed?</a></li> <li><a href="#prevention">How can I prevent heart failure?</a></li> <li><a href="#treatment">How is heart failure treated?</a></li> <li><a href="#live-with">How do I live with heart failure?</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">Resources and support</a></li> <li><a href="#searchGeneralResults">Related information on Australian websites</a></li> </ul> </nav> <h2 id="what-is">What is heart failure?</h2> <p>Heart failure (also known as ‘congestive heart failure’ or CHF) occurs when your <a href="/heart">heart muscle</a> has become too weak to pump blood effectively through your body. It can also happen if your heart becomes too stiff to fill up with blood properly, so not enough blood is pumped around your body. As a result, your muscles and organs don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients. This may cause fluid to build up in your body and make you feel breathless or tired.</p> <p>Heart failure is usually an <a href="/management-of-chronic-conditions">ongoing (chronic) condition</a> — unlike <a href="/heart-attack">heart attacks</a>, which occur suddenly and require immediate treatment (acute).</p> <p>However, the conditions can be related: a heart attack can cause ongoing muscle weakness and stiffness that leads to long-term heart failure. In some cases, symptoms of heart failure can also start suddenly.</p> <p>Heart failure is common, with around 110,000 people in Australia living with heart failure. Around 2 in 3 people with heart failure in Australia are male.</p> <p>Watch this video about heart failure from the <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Heart Foundation</a>. It's also available in other languages, including <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhrygLMD00EuolR5VJYqpN7ahN5I9TFoS" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Arabic</a>, <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhrygLMD00EurHqbdqVphf8StFPkje1jg" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Greek</a>, <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhrygLMD00Etps9qyim27ERmfaQB-YdT4" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Italian</a> and <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhrygLMD00EsAMV1UqDDLe7fmb0_eFn99" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Mandarin</a>.</p> <div class="cont_youtube-video"><iframe width="560" height="315" data-vid-id="2yzKwhgIvYU" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2yzKwhgIvYU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <br> <h2 id="symptoms">What are the symptoms of heart failure?</h2> <p>A key symptom of heart failure is <a href="/shortness-of-breath">difficulty breathing</a>, or shortness of breath. You may notice it in the following ways:</p> <ul> <li>You may find <a href="/fitness-and-exercise">physical activity</a> difficult.</li> <li>You may wake up during the night with shortness of breath.</li> <li>You may find it uncomfortable to lie flat, as that can make it difficult to breathe normally.</li> </ul> <p>Other common signs of heart failure include:</p> <ul> <li>weakness or <a href="/fatigue">fatigue</a></li> <li>swelling in your legs, ankles and feet (oedema)</li> <li>swelling or <a href="/bloating">bloating</a> in your stomach</li> <li><a href="/cough">coughing</a></li> <li>chest pain (<a href="/angina">angina</a>), if you have previously had a heart attack</li> <li><a href="/dizziness">dizziness</a></li> </ul> <p>These symptoms can occur due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching your muscles and organs and the build-up of fluid in your body.</p> <a href="/symptom-checker" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_user-md"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS</strong> — Use the <strong class="cont_underline">Symptom Checker</strong> and find out if you need to seek medical help.</p> </a> <h2 id="ambulance">When should I call an ambulance?</h2> <p>These symptoms can be the sign of a serious problem that needs urgent treatment:</p> <ul> <li>difficulty breathing</li> <li>chest pain that’s severe or worsening, or has lasted longer than 10 minutes</li> <li>chest pain that feels heavy, crushing or tight</li> <li>other symptoms, such as breathlessness, nausea, dizziness, or a cold sweat</li> <li>pain in your jaw or down your left arm</li> </ul> <div class="cont_layout-container"> <div class="cont_layout-media-object"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object-left dor-icon_warning" style="color:#e25553; font-size: 36px;"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object-right cont_label-small"><strong>If you have any of the symptoms above, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.</strong></p> </div> </div> <a href="/australian-health-services" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_hospital"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>FIND A HEALTH SERVICE</strong> — The <strong class="cont_underline">Service Finder</strong> can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.</p> </a> <h2 id="types">What are the different types of heart failure?</h2> <p>A healthy heart will pump out at least half the volume of blood that fills its chambers every time the heart ‘beats’. The percentage of blood that your heart pumps out with every heartbeat is called the ‘ejection fraction’. A healthy heart will pump out at least half the volume of blood that fills its chambers every time the heart pumps or ‘beats’.</p> <p>If you have heart failure, your heart may have one of these problems:</p> <ul> <li>Your heart muscle has become weak and can’t pump blood effectively. This causes fluid to back up and pool around your lungs and other parts of your body. This type of heart failure is known as <strong>systolic heart failure </strong>or <strong>heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (</strong><strong>HFrEF)</strong>.</li> <li>Your heart muscle is too stiff and can’t stretch to allow your heart to fill up with enough blood to meet your body’s needs. This also causes fluid to back up around your lungs. This is known as <strong>diastolic heart failure</strong>, or <strong>heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)</strong>.</li> </ul> <p>There are other ways your doctor may describe the type of heart failure you have, for example, whether the right or left side of your heart is primarily affected.</p> <p>Your doctor will <a href="/what-is-a-referral">refer you</a> for tests to know which type of heart failure you have. It’s important to find this out, as the treatments can be different.</p> <h2 id="causes">What causes heart failure?</h2> <p>Damage, weakness and stiffness to your heart commonly develop after a heart attack or <a href="/coronary-heart-disease-and-atherosclerosis">coronary heart disease</a>.</p> <p>Other causes may include:</p> <ul> <li>long-term conditions such as <a href="/diabetes">diabetes</a>, <a href="/obesity">obesity</a>, <a href="/high-blood-pressure-hypertension">hypertension</a> (high blood pressure). <a href="/cholesterol">high cholesterol</a> and <a href="/hiv-infection-and-aids">HIV</a></li> <li>damage to the heart muscle (<a href="/cardiomyopathy">cardiomyopathy</a>) caused by infection, excessive <a href="/how-alcohol-affects-your-health">alcohol use</a> and certain medicines</li> <li>faulty heart valves</li> <li>certain conditions you were born with, such as <a href="/congenital-heart-disease">congenital heart disease</a> or <a href="/thyroid-problems">thyroid disorders</a></li> <li><a href="/pregnancy">pregnancy</a>, which causes your heart to work harder than normal</li> </ul> <p>Your doctor will investigate why you developed your heart failure. Understanding what caused it can help you and your doctor decide on the best way to treat it.</p> <p>For information on how <a href="/covid-19">COVID-19</a> affects the heart, visit the <a href="https://www.victorchang.edu.au/news/covid19-faq" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute website</a>.</p> <h2 id="diagnosis">How is heart failure diagnosed?</h2> <p>Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and your family medical history, and perform a physical examination.</p> <p>There are several tests that help to confirm a diagnosis of heart failure, and identify which type it is:</p> <ul> <li>echocardiogram (‘echo’): high-frequency sound waves are used to examine the shape and function of your heart</li> <li><a href="/electrocardiogram-ecg">electrocardiogram (ECG)</a>: electrical leads are placed on your chest, arms and legs to record the electrical signals travelling through your heart muscle</li> <li><a href="/blood-testing">blood tests</a></li> <li>chest <a href="/x-rays">x-ray</a></li> <li><a href="/angiogram">angiogram</a> (or coronary catheterisation): fluid is inserted through a small tube (catheter) to show whether your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked</li> </ul> <h2 id="prevention">How can I prevent heart failure?</h2> <p>Not all causes of heart failure can be prevented.</p> <p>The best way to prevent heart failure is by preventing coronary heart disease and heart attack.</p> <p>To improve your health and reduce your risk of heart disease, you can:</p> <ul> <li>quit smoking</li> <li>follow a <a href="/healthy-heart-diet">healthy diet</a></li> <li>see your doctor to help manage your <a href="/cholesterol">cholesterol</a> and <a href="/how-to-lower-blood-pressure">blood pressure</a></li> <li>stay physically active</li> <li>maintain a <a href="/weight-loss-and-dieting">healthy weight</a></li> <li>drink <a href="/alcohol-overview">alcohol</a> in moderation</li> <li>reduce stress and look after your <a href="/mental-health-and-wellbeing">mental wellbeing</a></li> </ul> <p>If you have had a heart attack, it’s even more important to manage your risk factors and follow your treatment plan. Make sure you check in frequently with your healthcare team.</p> <p>Some risk factors — such as your age, whether you have other health conditions, or your genes — are outside your control. <a href="/should-i-be-tested-for-heart-disease">Speak with your doctor</a> if you have concerns about developing heart failure, and how you can manage it.</p> <h2 id="treatment">How is heart failure treated?</h2> <p>While there is no treatment to reverse or cure heart failure, there are things you can do to help you live longer and enjoy a better quality of life.</p> <h3>Lifestyle changes</h3> <p>Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important to help you manage heart failure. This includes:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Managing fluid balance</strong>: monitor how much fluid you drink and take diuretic medicines if prescribed by your doctor. Don’t have more than 2 drinks containing <a href="/caffeine">caffeine</a> in a day.</li> <li><strong>Limiting salt intake</strong>: <a href="/salt">salt</a> makes your body <a href="/fluid-retention">retain fluid</a>, so eat foods low in salt and avoid adding salt to your food.</li> <li><strong>Becoming smoke-free</strong>: cigarette smoke damages your artery walls and reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood.</li> <li><strong>Limiting alcohol intake</strong>: <a href="/how-alcohol-affects-your-health">alcohol can damage your heart</a>. <a href="/managing-your-alcohol-intake">Limit your drinking</a> to 1 to 2 standard drinks a day, or stop drinking altogether if your heart failure was caused by alcohol.</li> <li><strong>Joining a support program</strong>: ask your doctor to recommend a program for people living with chronic heart failure. This might include <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/bundles/support/cardiac-services-directory" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">specialised support</a> from health professionals such as nurses, <a href="/dietitians">dietitians</a> and exercise specialists.</li> </ul> <h3>Medicines</h3> <p>Heart failure is also treated with medicines. These can help you live longer and stay out of hospital. These may include:</p> <ul> <li>medicines to <a href="/blood-pressure-medication">lower blood pressure</a> and reduce strain on your heart, such as <a href="/angiotensin-converting-enzyme-inhibitors-ace-and-angiotensin-receptor-blockers-arbs">ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)</a></li> <li><a href="/beta-blockers">beta-blockers</a> to help your heart pump slower and stronger</li> <li>aldosterone antagonists to help control your blood pressure</li> <li>diuretics to help reduce <a href="/fluid-retention">fluid build-up</a> that leads to swelling in your body</li> </ul> <p>You might also need medicine to treat angina, if you have it. If you think your medicine is not working, is causing you problems or you have any questions, talk to your doctor. Do not stop taking your medicines without talking to your doctor first.</p> <h3>Other treatments</h3> <p>In some cases, you may need a surgical or medical device to help maintain regular heart function, such as:</p> <ul> <li>an <a href="/implantable-cardioverter-defibrillators">implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)</a>: a small box that detects and corrects abnormal heart rhythms</li> <li>a <a href="/pacemaker">pacemaker</a>: a small device that electrically stimulates the heart to keep a regular rhythm</li> <li>bypass surgery (coronary bypass surgery): which improves blood flow to your heart</li> <li>heart valve repair or replacement</li> </ul> <p>For some people with severe heart failure, the only option may be a <a href="/heart-transplants">heart transplant</a>. After a heart transplant, you will need to be on lifelong anti-rejection medicines and maintain a healthy lifestyle.</p> <h2 id="live-with">How do I live with heart failure?</h2> <p>In addition to your treatment, there are things you can do to feel better:</p> <ul> <li>Maintain a healthy weight — do some physical activity each day and eat fresh, healthy food.</li> <li>Talk to your doctor about keeping your <a href="/immunisation-and-vaccinations">vaccinations</a> up to date, such as the flu vaccine and others.</li> <li>Talk to your family or support person about what’s important to you, and what steps you want to take to reduce the impact of heart failure on your life.</li> </ul> <p>Living with heart failure can be emotionally and physically challenging. Hearing stories from others who have experienced heart conditions may be reassuring and can help you know what to ask your doctor or specialist.</p> <p>Go to the Heart Foundation website for real-life <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-stories" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">'heart stories'</a>.</p> <h2 id="resources">Resources and support</h2> <p>If you want to know more about heart failure, talk to your doctor or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak to, 24 hours, 7 days a week.</p> <p>For more information and support, try these resources:</p> <ul> <li>Watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yzKwhgIvYU&list=PLhrygLMD00EsJ41s3chAWtvVeNwIbinkL" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Heart Foundation’s video series</a> on living well with heart failure, or <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/getmedia/d190ae03-56ee-4c00-973f-972322cfda51/Living_well_with_heart_failure_-_Information_to_help_you_feel_better.pdf" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">download the booklet</a>.</li> <li>Discover some of the latest Australian research on how COVID-19 impacts the heart at the <a href="https://www.victorchang.edu.au/coronavirus" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute</a>.</li> <li>The <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/getmedia/ce4fa1be-7c0b-4f26-b58d-290297884c8c/5539_HF_MHML_ServicesSupport_Chapter4.pdf" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">Heart Foundation Services and Support</a> information page provides important phone numbers, information and services to support you in your heart health recovery.</li> </ul> <h3>Other languages</h3> <p>Do you prefer to read languages other than English? The Heart Foundation has <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/info-lote" target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab." aria-label="Link opens in a new tab.">fact sheets on heart health</a> translated into more than 25 languages.</p></div> <footer class="main_content-article-text-footer"> <div> <h4>Source<span>s</span>:</h4> <span> <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au" target="_blank" title="Heart Foundation Australia">Heart Foundation Australia</a> <em>(What is heart failure?)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au" target="_blank" title="HealthyWA">HealthyWA</a> <em>(Heart failure)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au" target="_blank" title="Heart Foundation Australia">Heart Foundation Australia</a> <em>(Key Statistics: Heart Failure)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au" target="_blank" title="Heart Foundation Australia">Heart Foundation Australia</a> <em>(What is a heart attack?)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au" target="_blank" title="Heart Foundation Australia">Heart Foundation Australia</a> <em>(Are you at risk of heart disease?)<span></span></em> </span> </div> </footer> <p>Learn more here about the <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content">development and quality assurance of healthdirect content</a>.</p> <p>Last reviewed: January 2023</p> <div class="main_content-back-to-top"><a href="#backToTop"><i class="dor-icon_caret-up"></i><br><span class="tablet-up__inline">Back To </span>Top</a></a></div> </main>  <section class="main_content-links print-hidden"> <section class="related-concept-section"> <h2>Search our site for</h2> <ul> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Heart health" title="Search results for:Heart health">Heart health</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Heart" title="Search results for:Heart">Heart</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Coronary Heart Disease" title="Search results for:Coronary Heart Disease">Coronary Heart Disease</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Heart Surgery" title="Search results for:Heart Surgery">Heart Surgery</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Electrocardiogram" title="Search results for:Electrocardiogram">Electrocardiogram</a> </li> </ul> </section> </section>  <section class="main_content-search"> <header> <h2>Need more information?</h2> <p>These trusted information partners have more on this topic.</p> </header> <div class="main_content-general-text"> <div> <div class="main_content-search-results-partners"> <nav class="dor-tabs__2 veyron-search-tabs" role="tablist"> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchGeneralResults" aria-selected="true"> <input type="radio" checked name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">General search results</div> </label> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchProfessionalResults" aria-selected="false"> <input type="radio" name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">Results for medical professionals</div> </label> </nav> <section id="searchGeneralResults" data-total-records="126"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Heart-failure" data-partner-url="partners/wa-health" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|3e32c4d5-0450-45a5-a87b-93354f3360ba"> <h3>Heart failure</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle has become too weak to pump blood through the body as effectively as normal.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on WA Health website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="WA Health" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/WA_health_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/heart-stroke/heart-failure-overview/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|f58bf3a6-5459-4bc1-b2c9-2752b6f1bdab"> <h3>Heart failure overview - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Heart failure is when your heart can't effectively pump blood around your body, but it doesn’t mean your heart is about to stop or fail completely - you can live with heart failure for many years.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/heart-failure" data-partner-url="partners/heart-foundation" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|14ad6162-9ec0-48ce-9d54-4f8176e47f7a"> <h3>What is heart failure? | Heart Foundation</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Heart failure is a condition where your heart isn’t pumping blood to the rest of your body as well as it should. If your heart is damaged or not pumping properly, it can become enlarged, weak or stiff.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Heart Foundation website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Heart Foundation" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/Heart-Foundation_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/congestive-heart-failure-chf" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|84cc9a78-b297-40d3-9193-8e40e36aadb6"> <h3>Heart failure - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Congestive heart failure is present when the heart cannot pump enough blood to satisfy the needs of the body.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/introducing-medicines-for-heart-failure" data-partner-url="partners/nps-medicinewise" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|1f92cc2c-aa6a-424c-9c79-21a14c30abc4"> <h3>Introducing medicines for heart failure - NPS MedicineWise</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Medicines are an important part of helping people with heart failure feel better, live longer and stay out of hospital. Read on to learn more about medicines for heart failure and their role in your treatment.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on NPS MedicineWise website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="NPS MedicineWise" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/nps_logo-54f847.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.svhhearthealth.com.au/rehabilitation/for-heart-failure" data-partner-url="partners/st-vincents-hospital-heart-health" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|d89c2308-cc3a-4161-96f0-8a80fe4d12a0"> <h3>For Heart Failure - St Vincent's Heart Health</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Learn how to manage your heart failure.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on St Vincent's Hospital Heart Health website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="St Vincent's Hospital Heart Health" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/svhhh-logo-1e7e03.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.nps.org.au/know-your-heart" data-partner-url="partners/nps-medicinewise" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|90bf2c4f-99e8-4ea1-aed6-5943b1bc1fcf"> <h3>Know your heart: Living with heart failure</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Heart failure is a serious condition but treatments, support and strategies are available to help keep you out of hospital and enjoying life.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on NPS MedicineWise website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="NPS MedicineWise" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/nps_logo-54f847.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.svhhearthealth.com.au/conditions/heart-failure" data-partner-url="partners/st-vincents-hospital-heart-health" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|293a4fdb-ab61-4f1d-a8a4-d43e77f99fc1"> <h3>Heart Failure - St Vincent's Heart Health</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Learn more about heart failure including the causes, symptoms, possible tests and treatments.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on St Vincent's Hospital Heart Health website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="St Vincent's Hospital Heart Health" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/svhhh-logo-1e7e03.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.baker.edu.au/health-hub/heart-failure" data-partner-url="partners/baker-heart-and-diabetes-institute" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|69bf84d3-7a62-4f9a-907a-56e79788cc49"> <h3>Heart failure</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p></p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/baker_logo_landscape_colour_rgb-70efa1.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/how-can-i-take-an-active-role-in-managing-my-heart-failure" data-partner-url="partners/nps-medicinewise" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|7b86d333-849b-45e5-84ea-8fe20de9b391"> <h3>How can I take an active role in managing my heart failure?</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Heart failure is a serious condition but there are things you can do to stay out of hospital, feel better, and live a longer life. Read more to find out what you need to make it easier to achieve these goals.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on NPS MedicineWise website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="NPS MedicineWise" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/nps_logo-54f847.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more "> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> <section id="searchProfessionalResults" class="hidden" data-total-records="62"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/congestive-heart-failure" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|033b9ee3-9514-4c7d-b343-c42e3ac36863"> <h3>Congestive Heart Failure: Common Reasons for CHF | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>What’s to blame for congestive heart failure? There are at least 10 diseases and conditions that can lead your patients down the slippery slope to heart failure. This Article will explore some of them.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/diuretics-in-the-management-of-chronic-heart-failure-when-and-how.html" data-partner-url="partners/australian-prescriber" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|c547e7d4-6dad-4f41-8beb-95005e11382e"> <h3>Diuretics in the management of chronic heart failure: when and how</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Diuretics continue to play a key role in the management of clinical congestion in all forms of heart failure.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Australian Prescriber website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australian Prescriber" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/australian-prescriber_2023_logo-5f8e5b.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/heart-failure-readmission" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|eee5d393-4bf5-45b4-8b6c-896504501dcc"> <h3>Heart Failure Readmission | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>A 2017 study found that over 30% of hospitalisations for heart failure in Australia and New Zealand resulted in death or readmission within 30 days. Unfortunately, few working solutions for reducing readmission are routinely offered outside of an ever-expanding series of medication options.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/types-of-congestive-heart-failure" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|cbb23b8a-736e-4749-9240-81ab138e1316"> <h3>Types of Congestive Heart Failure | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Although we tend to throw around the term 'congestive heart failure' like there is such a beast, the truth is that there are scads of pathophysiologic differences between left and right CHF, low- and high-output CHF, and systolic and diastolic CHF. It is also essential to understand that the signs and symptoms that signal congestion are quite different from those that signal low cardiac output or perfusion.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Digoxin" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|bed4dc9d-fdbc-47be-aa0f-62288366eddf"> <h3>Digoxin | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Digoxin is a drug used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. This test measures the amount of digoxin in the blood. Heart failure, including con</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.cochrane.org/CD007613/VASC_erythropoiesis-stimulating-agents-for-people-with-chronic-heart-failure-and-anaemia" data-partner-url="partners/cochrane-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|24508b7c-f678-4873-83c3-ed68db64d3b2"> <h3>Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for people with chronic heart failure and anaemia | Cochrane</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Authors' conclusions: Meta-analysis of small RCTs suggests that ESA treatment in patients with symptomatic CHF and mild anaemia (haemoglobin more than 10g/dL) can improve anaemia and exercise tolerance, reduce symptoms and have benefits on clinical outcomes</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Cochrane Australia website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Cochrane Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/cochrane_australia_stacked_rgb-15fbd4.png"> </a> <a href="https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/sodium-glucose-co-transporter-2-inhibitors-beyond-diabetes.html" data-partner-url="partners/australian-prescriber" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|3359795c-5ebd-4294-b516-b31aa769af9c"> <h3>Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors beyond diabetes</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>The beneficial effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in patients with diabetes have led to trials of the drugs in patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Australian Prescriber website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australian Prescriber" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/australian-prescriber_2023_logo-5f8e5b.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Brain+natriuretic+peptide+%28BNP%29" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|f17ea709-caad-4bbe-86f5-d402383516ac"> <h3>Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>his test measures the concentration of BNP or NT-proBNP in the blood. BNP is a hormone that helps to regulate blood volume. NT-proBNP is an inactive fragment</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Peritoneal+fluid+analysis" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|3a4202d8-a512-4b6c-82ed-512d56f0593f"> <h3>Peritoneal fluid analysis | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Peritoneal fluid is a liquid that acts as a lubricant in the abdominal cavity. It is found in small quantities between the layers of the peritoneum. Peritone</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Lactate" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|ccd8c1d9-1f18-447a-ad5c-bfd03cf16ae6"> <h3>Lactate | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>This test measures the amount of lactate in the blood or more rarely in the cerebrospinal fluid. Lactate is the ionic (electrically charged) form of lactic a</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more "> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="partner-popup-content hidden"> <header class="dor-modal_body-header"><h2>Disclaimer</h2></header> <div class="dor-modal_body-main veyron-global-popup-body-main"> <div class="dor-modal_body-main-content"> <p>Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.</p> </div> </div> <footer class="dor-modal_body-footer"> <a target="_blank" class="main-action main-action__link" role="button"><button class="dor-modal_body-footer-action">OK</button></a> </footer> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> HDW.partnerResults = JSON.parse('{\"localContentConfig\":{\"PBB\":{\"logo\":\"PBB_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au\/\",\"name\":\"Pregnancy, Birth & Baby\"},\"MHC\":{\"logo\":\"MHC_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.mindhealthconnect.org.au\/\",\"name\":\"mindhealthconnect\"},\"HIN\":{\"logo\":\"healthdirect_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/\",\"name\":\"healthdirect\"},\"HCW\":{\"logo\":\"healthdirect_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/about.healthdirect.gov.au\/\",\"name\":\"healthdirect\"}}}') initArticleSearchResults(JSON.parse('{\"general\":\"\/api\/search\/content\/general?wt=json&f.partner.facet.limit=-1&f.partner.facet.sort=count&rows=10&start=0&channel=HIN&q=%22Heart%20failure%22&fq=document_channel%3A(%22HIN%22%20OR%20%22PBB%22%20OR%20%22MHC%22%20OR%20%22HCW%22)&fq=!canonical_channel%3A%22HIN%22&fq=(canonical_channel%3A%5B*%20TO%20*%5D%20OR%20content_type%3A%22hdaptn%3ApartnerContent%22)&fq=audience_en%3A(%22Consumers%22%20OR%20%22Carers%22)\",\"professional\":\"\/api\/search\/content\/keyword?wt=json&f.partner.facet.limit=-1&f.partner.facet.sort=count&rows=10&start=0&channel=HIN&q=%22Heart%20failure%22&fq=!partner%3A%22healthdirect%22&fq=audience_en%3A%22Health%20Professionals%22\"}')); </script> </section> </div> <aside class="main_content-col-right print-hidden"> <div class="tablet-up"> <section class="related-concept-section"> <h2>Search our site for</h2> <ul> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Heart health" title="Search results for:Heart health">Heart health</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Heart" title="Search results for:Heart">Heart</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Coronary Heart Disease" title="Search results for:Coronary Heart Disease">Coronary Heart Disease</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Heart Surgery" title="Search results for:Heart Surgery">Heart Surgery</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Electrocardiogram" title="Search results for:Electrocardiogram">Electrocardiogram</a> </li> </ul> </section> <section class="widget-sym" data-ng-show="symptom" data-semantic-links="semanticLinks" layout="sidebar"> <h2>Symptom checker</h2> <p><strong>Worried about your health?</strong></p><p>Select a symptom, answer some questions, get advice.</p> <a class="widget-sym-btn" href="/symptom-checker/tool?symptom=GNRC" title="Check symptoms">Start Your Symptom Check</a> </section> <section class="hsf-panel-node-sidebar-mode veyron-search-by-service-panel "> <form data-old-class="hsf-form" name="serviceFinderForm" novalidate=""> <fieldset class="hsf-form_services"> <legend class="sr-only">service category</legend> <h2>Find a health service</h2> <section class="dor-form_error-area veyron-hsf-panel-error-list hidden" id="hadLocationErrors"> <ul> <li>Please enter a suburb or postcode of your location and select from the list.</li> <li>Unable to find your location. 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