Medically reviewed by Mary Thompson, RN 

Feeling more tired than usual lately? Maybe you get winded just walking to the mailbox, or your ankles seem a little swollen at the end of the day. You're not alone. Many seniors experience these kinds of changes, and sometimes they can be signs of something called heart failure.

Heart failure affects about 6 million people in the United States.¹ Don't let the name scare you—heart failure doesn't mean your heart is about to stop. It simply means your heart isn't pumping blood as strongly as it should.

This guide will help you understand what heart failure is, what causes it, and what the symptoms look like. We'll also discuss how to live a full and active life with heart failure through proper management.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a condition where the heart isn’t pumping as well as it should. This causes blood to move at a slower rate and causes pressure in the heart to increase.

To better understand heart failure, we first need to understand how the heart is supposed to function. Here’s how a healthy heart works:

1.      Deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium and flows to the right ventricle.

2.      Blood is pumped to the lungs to get oxygenated.

3.      Oxygenated blood is pumped to the left atrium, then to the left ventricle.

4.      The left ventricle pumps blood out of the heart to the rest of the body.

When your heart isn’t pumping like it should, your body can’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs.

What causes heart failure?

Heart failure can be caused by various conditions that overwork the heart, weakening it over time. All of us lose some blood-pumping ability in our heart as we get older. However, heart failure happens when the heart becomes stressed by conditions that hurt the heart or make it work too hard.

There are also risk factors—traits and lifestyle habits that increase your chance of heart failure—associated with this condition.¹

Having one or more of these conditions can increase your risk of heart failure:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Thyroid problems

There are also lifestyle risk factors associated with heart failure:

• Aging
• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Certain types of radiation and chemotherapy

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of heart failure

It’s important to know the signs of heart failure so you can talk to your doctor if you notice anything unusual or concerning. Everyone experiences heart failure differently, but here are some common symptoms to watch for:²

• Feeling short of breath, especially when lying down, climbing stairs, or doing other activities
• Swelling in your ankles, legs, or feet, as this can be a sign of fluid buildup
• Feeling tired all the time, even after resting
• Coughing or wheezing, especially if you’re coughing up mucus
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat—your heart might feel like it’s racing or skipping beats
• Sudden weight gain, which can be a sign of fluid buildup
• Nausea or loss of appetite due to fluid buildup or decreased blood flow to your digestive system
• Needing to pee more often at night (due to fluid being redistributed when you lie down)

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they’re new or getting worse, it’s important to talk to your doctor right away.

How is heart failure diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects you might have heart failure, they will likely perform certain diagnostic tests to confirm a diagnosis and decide the severity of your condition. These tests help them see how well your heart is working and will find any underlying causes.

Heart failure is commonly diagnosed and tracked using a measurement called ejection fraction.³ This gives a percentage that tells how much blood your heart’s main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) pushes out with each beat. A healthy heart pushes out more blood with each squeeze.

• Normal: 50–70%. This means your heart is pumping a healthy amount of blood.
• Heart failure: less than 40%. This means your heart isn’t pumping as much blood as it should.

Understanding the stages of heart failure

Heart failure is a progressive disease, so your healthcare team may use a staging system to help decide the best treatment for you. Here is how heart failure is usually staged:⁴

How is heart failure treated?

Treatment for heart failure is personalized and depends on several factors, including the specific type of heart failure you have, how severe it is, and your overall health. Your healthcare team will work with you to develop a plan that addresses your individual needs. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication, or, in some cases, more serious medical interventions like surgery.

The goals of treatment may include:

• Treating the underlying causes of the condition. Addressing conditions like high blood pressure or coronary artery disease can help improve heart function.
• Reducing the symptoms the person is experiencing. Managing symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling can significantly improve comfort and daily life.
• Improving the person’s quality of life. The aim is to help you maintain independence and enjoy your favorite activities.
• Stopping the disease from getting worse. Slowing the progression of heart failure is crucial for long-term health.
• Increasing the person’s lifespan. Effective treatment can help extend life expectancy for individuals with heart failure.

Medications for heart failure

Medicine plays a vital role in managing heart failure and improving heart function. If your healthcare provider prescribes a medicine, it’s important to take it as prescribed and to understand why you’re taking each medication.

Your doctor may prescribe a combination of medications for your heart failure:

• Medications to treat symptoms related to heart failure (swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain)
• Medications to treat other chronic conditions (high blood pressure, high cholesterol)

Heart-healthy lifestyle changes

Small, simple lifestyle changes can be a crucial part of managing heart failure and improving your overall well-being. Talk to your Conviva primary care doctor about healthy habits that can help manage your condition and improve heart health.

Lifestyle changes to improve heart health may include:

• Be active but listen to your doctor. Your health will likely place limitations on what you can do. Regular physical activity can strengthen your heart and improve your energy levels, but it’s important to find an activity that’s safe and comfortable for you.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet. A heart-healthy diet is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium. This type of diet can help lower blood pressure, reduce fluid retention, and improve overall health.
• Maintain a healthy weight: If you need to lose weight, even small amounts of weight loss can help. Losing just a few pounds can reduce the strain on your heart and improve symptoms.

Tips for living well with heart failure

Being diagnosed with heart failure can feel overwhelming but remember that it’s a manageable condition. By working closely with your healthcare team and making some positive changes, you can live a full and active life.

Here are some key tips to help you thrive:

• Following the treatment plan from your healthcare team. Your doctor will create a personalized plan that may include medications, lifestyle changes, and regular checkups. Be sure to take your medications exactly as prescribed and attend appointments. Don’t hesitate to ask questions when you have them.
• Making heart-healthy lifestyle changes. Small changes, like improving your diet or beginning a simple exercise regimen, can make a big difference when it comes to heart health.
• Doing daily monitoring and tracking as advised. Your doctor may recommend monitoring your weight, blood pressure, and symptoms daily. This helps you detect any changes early on and take action before they become serious.
• Getting the support you need to handle your emotions. Living with a chronic condition like heart failure can be emotionally challenging. It’s important to acknowledge your feelings and seek support when you need it. Talk to your family and friends, join a support group, or consider seeing a therapist.

Caring for someone with heart failure

Caring for someone with heart failure can be both challenging and rewarding. As a caregiver, it’s important to keep these three things in mind:

• Work closely with your loved one’s healthcare team to learn about managing heart failure. Learn how to monitor symptoms and about important lifestyle changes.
• Remember to take care of yourself, too. Visit your own doctor regularly, spend time with friends, and follow healthy habits like eating well and exercising.
• Give your loved one emotional support. Offer encouragement to your loved one as they make changes to manage their condition.

You may also consider joining a support group for caregivers to share struggles and triumphs with others in a similar situation.

Understanding heart failure is crucial, whether you're experiencing symptoms yourself or supporting a loved one. While managing heart failure presents challenges, remember that it's a condition that can be managed with the right approach. By staying informed, working closely with your Conviva primary care team, and adopting heart-healthy habits, individuals with heart failure can take control of their health and improve their quality of life.

If you or someone you know is affected, remember that support is available, and a fulfilling life is still possible.

Disclaimer:

Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness or dietary plans. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any website or other sources. For any health-related questions, contact your healthcare provider.

Sources:

1.      "Risks for and Causes of Heart Failure," American Heart Association, last accessed October 1, 2025, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/causes-and-risks-for-heart-failure.

2.      “Heart failure,” Mayo Clinic, last accessed October 1, 2025, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373142.

3.      “Ejection Fraction Heart Failure Measurement,” American Heart Association, last accessed October 1, 2025, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/diagnosing-heart-failure/ejection-fraction-heart-failure-measurement.

4.      “Classes and Stages of Heart Failure,” American Heart Association, last accessed October 1, 2025, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/what-is-heart-failure/classes-of-heart-failure.