Understanding Congestive Heart Failure Treatment in Central California

If you have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, it does not mean that your heart is literally going to stop working. Instead, the condition describes a heart that pumps blood less efficiently. The reduced flow of blood causes a cascade of related effects, such as your body retaining fluid.

Congestive heart failure can cause a number of symptoms that lower your quality of life and keep you from enjoying your favorite physical activities. At Dignity Health Central California, the goals of treatment are to prevent the disease from getting worse and to reduce the number and severity of your symptoms.

For an accurate diagnosis and effective congestive heart failure treatment in Central California, use our Find a Doctor tool to choose a well-qualified cardiologist near you.

 

Treatments for Congestive Heart Failure at Dignity Health Central California

Lifestyle changes are the foundation of heart failure treatments. Your doctor may recommend a low-salt diet and careful management of fluid intake to control your congestive heart failure. You will likely have to limit the amount of liquids you consume every day.

In addition to dietary changes, you may also need a strategy for easing the load on your heart and managing your symptoms.

Commonly prescribed treatments for congestive heart failure include: 

  • Lifestyle changes (low-salt diet, restricted fluid intake)
  • Quitting smoking
  • Inhaled medication for shortness of breath
  • Home oxygen therapy
  • Medicines to reduce your heart’s workload
  • Medication or surgery for underlying causes, such as diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), or coronary artery disease

Talk to your cardiologist about an individualized treatment plan for your specific symptoms.

 

Treatment That Is Right for You

Selection of appropriate treatments depend on the severity of your congestive heart failure, your age, and your overall health. It is possible to manage your condition with a combination of treatments — medication along with certain lifestyle modifications, for instance. Your Dignity Health Central California doctor can tailor a treatment plan for your individual needs, so be sure to discuss your personal preferences with your provider.

 

How to Prevent Congestive Heart Failure

Not every case of congestive heart failure is preventable. A heart valve disorder resulting from the normal aging process can cause your heart failure, for example. 

However, you can take steps to reduce your risk of heart failure by doing the following:

  • Do not smoke.
  • Avoid illicit drugs.
  • Do not consume alcohol excessively.
  • Treat known heart conditions, such as hypertension.
  • Maintain a healthy weight (obesity stresses your heart).
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Eat a low-salt diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Our doctors believe that your health is more than just the absence of disease or symptoms. We strive to keep you healthy, happy, and whole by caring for your mind, body, and spirit. Learn more about our holistic approach to medicine. 

Dignity Health Central California delivers advanced congestive heart failure treatments in Bakersfield, Merced, San Andreas, and Stockton, CA.