Heart failure caused by damage to the heart that has developed over time can't be cured. But it can be treated, quite often with strategies to improve symptoms (View an animation of heart failure).

Successful treatment depends on your willingness to get involved in managing this condition, whether you're the patient or a caregiver. You and your loved ones are an active part of the healthcare team.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Surgery
  • Surgical Procedures Without Devices
  • Implantable Medical Devices
• Ongoing Care
  • Physical Changes to Report
  • Your Healthcare Team
  • For Caregivers

Regardless of your treatment, you need to follow all of your doctor's recommendations and make the necessary changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle to give you the highest possible quality of life.

Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are scientific studies that determine if a possible new medical advance can help people and whether it has harmful side effects. Find answers to common questions about clinical trials in our Guide to Understanding Clinical Trials.



"This content was last reviewed on 08/20/2012."