More than 2.5 million women in the United States have heart
failure, and they often face a very different burden than men. Women
tend to develop heart failure at an older age; experience depression
more frequently; and, experience a greater number of symptoms than men,
including shortness of breath, swelling around the ankles and
difficulty exercising.
While there is no cure,
heart failure can be managed with the proper knowledge, treatment and
support. Today, WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart
Disease, encouraged widespread dissemination of recently-updated
guidelines that include new treatment options for millions living with
heart failure. WomenHeart sees the guidelines as an important addition
to treatment efforts to achieve positive outcomes for women with the
disease.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart fails to work adequately as a pump that can deliver oxygen rich blood to the body.
"Successful treatment and management of heart failure must include interventions in the home and community, as well as the doctor's office," said Mary McGowan, CEO of WomenHeart. "WomenHeart is encouraged to see that women with heart failure have more treatment options, and applauds the updated guidelines as a way of increasing the education and support for women living with heart failure."
Imaging Test can Accurately Detect Amyloid-Related Heart Failure
Transthyretin-related cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is a condition in which a protein breaks down and forms fibrils that deposit in organs and tissues, leading to heart failure.
In women with heart failure, the heart is too weak to keep up with its workload. In some cases, the heart can't fill with enough blood. In others, the heart can't squeeze with enough force. Many women have both problems. These updated guidelines are a critical and important addition to the field because about half of those who develop the condition die within five years of their diagnosis.
Since its inception, WomenHeart has provided a broad spectrum of patient support programs nationwide that include in-person support groups; one-on-one support; hospital visitation; online and telephone support and now Virtual Support Networks. Along with expanded medication options for some patients in the new treatment guidelines, women with heart failure now have more resources than ever to receive support.
"Living with heart failure can be a confusing and isolating experience," McGowan said. "That's why we must continue to improve the treatment approach - including social and emotional support, patient education and medical advancements - to provide women with heart failure the important tools needed to feel empowered to face the disease each day."
Source: Eurekalert
No Improvement in Heart Failure Survival Rates in Twenty Years
Heart failure is a common long-term condition affecting around nine lakh in the Britain and represents the second highest cost to the National Health Service.
 Risk of Death or Rehospitalization Not Reduced by Combination Therapy for Heart FailureCombination therapy is thought to help patients with heart failure avoid the risk of heart-related death or of rehospitilization. | Advertisement
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