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Heart Failure

    

 

Welcome to better health . . . .
Humana Military is pleased to provide you with a comprehensive collection of resources and tools dedicated to helping you effectively manage heart failure and the possible complications that can arise in connection with this chronic condition.

Nothing is more important than your health. And when you have a chronic condition, staying healthy is often more difficult. Humana Military’s on-line source for heart failure self-management is designed to help you understand your condition and learn to identify and manage the symptoms before you experience an emergency situation.

February is
American Heart Month

What is heart failure?
Anatomy of the Heart
Causes of Heart Failure
Symptoms of Heart Failure
Stages of Heart Failure
Controlling Heart Failure
Lifestyle Recommendations
Long Term Outlook
Links Resources & Materials

What is heart failure?

 

Heart failure occurs when your heart doesn't pump as much blood as your body needs. This may be a gradual process where the body will compensate initially. This causes the heart rate to increase and the heart begins to enlarge. Over time, efforts to compensate decrease the heart’s function and worsen heart failure. Blood starts to back up in the veins leading to the heart.  This causes fluid to build up in the lungs and other parts of the body, causing shortness of breath and other symptoms of heart failure.
         

Sources:  National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute
and National Institute of Health/MedlinePlus

       
Last Update: February 1, 2008