Heart failure
Living well with a weak heart

Heart failure means the heart cannot pump blood as well as the body needs. It does not mean the heart has stopped. It causes breathlessness, tiredness and swelling, but with the right medicines and daily self-care many people feel better, stay out of hospital and live active lives. The cardiology team at Charak Hospital, Lucknow, assesses and treats heart failure.

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About heart failure

What is heart failure?

In heart failure the heart muscle is weakened or stiff. Blood backs up into the lungs and body, causing breathlessness and swelling. Common causes are past heart attacks and blocked arteries, long-standing high blood pressure, valve disease, heart muscle disease and irregular heartbeat.

  • Ejection fraction (EF) on echo shows how well the heart pumps
  • Heart failure can occur with reduced or preserved EF
  • Symptoms can worsen suddenly (an episode needing hospital care)
  • Medicines can improve symptoms and heart function
  • Daily weight checks help catch fluid build-up early

Find the cause

Echo, ECG, blood tests and angiography if needed.

Medicines

Several medicines that protect the heart.

Daily self-care

Weight, salt and fluid as advised.

Follow-up

Regular reviews to adjust treatment.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of heart failure

Symptoms often develop slowly but can worsen quickly.

Breathlessness

On exertion, lying flat or waking at night breathless.

Swollen feet and ankles

Puffiness that leaves a dent when pressed.

Tiredness

Feeling weak, less able to walk.

Sudden weight gain

1–2 kg in a few days from fluid.

Cough

Especially at night, sometimes with frothy sputum.

Fast or irregular heartbeat

Palpitations.

Swollen tummy

Fluid in the abdomen, poor appetite.

Needing more pillows

To breathe comfortably at night.

Severe breathlessness at rest, chest pain, fainting or pink frothy sputum need emergency care. Call 0522-666-4444 or come to the 24×7 emergency department. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

Tests for heart failure

Tests confirm heart failure, measure its severity and look for the cause.

Echocardiography

Measures ejection fraction and checks valves.

ECG

Rhythm problems and signs of past heart attack.

Blood tests

Including BNP/NT-proBNP, kidney function, salts, thyroid and blood count.

Chest X-ray

Fluid in the lungs and heart size.

Coronary angiography

If blocked arteries may be the cause.

Treatment

Treatment

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, protect the heart and treat the cause.

Heart failure medicines

Several types of medicines are used together. Some remove excess fluid (diuretics); others protect and strengthen the heart over time. Doses are increased gradually.

Take every day at the right timesDo not stop without asking your doctorRegular blood tests for kidney function and potassium

Tell your doctor

  • Dizziness or low BP
  • Swelling not settling
  • Changes in urine

Avoid

  • Painkillers like ibuprofen or diclofenac without advice
  • Extra salt
  • Herbal remedies without checking
Daily self-care

Living with heart failure

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Weigh yourself daily

Every morning after passing urine, before breakfast. Call your doctor if weight rises by 2 kg in 3 days.

Salt and fluid

Limit salt. Follow the fluid limit your doctor gives you, if any.

Stay active

Gentle, regular walking as advised. Rest when tired.

Vaccines

Ask about flu and pneumonia vaccines.

Contact us urgently if

  • Breathlessness at rest or when lying flat
  • Weight gain of 2 kg or more in 3 days
  • Chest pain, fainting or a very fast heartbeat
  • Pink, frothy sputum
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about heart failure

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Heart failure means the heart has stopped.”

Tap to flip
Fact

It means the heart is not pumping as strongly as it should. Treatment helps many people live active lives.

Myth

“Drinking lots of water is always healthy.”

Tap to flip
Fact

In heart failure, too much fluid can cause swelling and breathlessness. Follow your doctor’s advice.

Myth

“If I feel better I can stop the water tablet.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Stopping can make fluid build up again. Ask your doctor first.

Your heart team

Meet the heart team

Cardiac sciences Echocardiography Angioplasty
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Your daily weight record
  • All medicines
  • Previous echo and ECG reports
  • Insurance or Ayushman card

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can heart failure be reversed?

In some people, especially when the cause is treated early, heart function improves a lot. Most people need long-term medicines.

How much water can I drink?

It depends on your condition. Your doctor may set a daily fluid limit.

Can I exercise?

Yes, regular gentle activity is helpful. Ask about a safe plan.

Why do I need to weigh myself daily?

Rapid weight gain is often the first sign of fluid build-up, before breathlessness worsens.

Is heart failure treatment covered by insurance?

Hospital treatment for heart failure is covered by many policies and Ayushman Bharat for eligible patients.

Glossary

Words you may hear

Ejection fractionThe percentage of blood pumped out with each beat.
DiureticA water tablet that removes excess fluid.
BNPA blood test that rises in heart failure.
OedemaSwelling caused by fluid.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Cardiac sciences Echocardiography High blood pressure Heart attack Heart failure (blog) Health library

Breathless or swollen feet?

Book a heart check with our cardiology team. Call 0522-666-4444.

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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