Many of you are wondering: Can Heart Failure Be Reversed?
That's a great question.
There are various forms and causes of heart failure, and broadly speaking there are two major categories.
HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION (HFpEF)
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (heart pumping function) is common. Typical causes are longstanding hypertension and obesity. Chronic kidney disease and other conditions can also contribute. Controlling blood pressure, losing weight, and managing chronic kidney disease, as well as ensuring you are not having fluid/volume overload or retention are key components of care. Managing all of these underlying factors well can control your heart failure. Additional medications can also be used by your cardiologist or primary care physicians to help manage and control your HFPEF.
HEART FAILURE WITH REDUCED EJECTION FRACTION (HFrEF).
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (heart pumping function) can also occur, especially in individuals with blockages in the blood vessels that bring blood and oxygen to the heart, or in individuals who have ever been treated with cancer medication or radiation. Your clinician would use particular medications to help improve the heart pumping function and manage and control your HFrEF and help ensure you are not having fluid/volume overload or retention. These are key components of care for your HFrEF.
SO, CAN HEART FAILURE BE REVERSED?
We would use the terms "control" or "manage" rather than "reverse', as heart failure can be exacerbated at any time, such as when you travel and eat out and cannot control the salt in your diet, or forget to bring your water pills with you.
Reach out to your primary care provider and/or cardiologist today to learn more about heart failure and make sure yours is under control and managed well, even if it may not be officially formally "reversed", depending on your definition.
We are always also here to help at My Heart Risk in Cancer. Reach out today.
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