PN: Do you understand what the doctor has said about your results? Because of the problems with your heart, it´s not able to pump as well as it did before. This is called Heart Failure. We can”t cure your heart failure, but together we can work to improve your symptoms and give you some support.
Molly: But what about my blood test results?
PN: The Blood tests are just the same as before. But we´re going to change the timing of your water tablet and another tablet. This will help improve your dizziness.
Molly: Oh dear, I don´t like taking those water tablets, I don´t always take them…
PN: Can you tell me why that is Molly? A lot of people say they find they have problems getting to the bathroom in time
Molly (Blushes): Yes, because I can´t move as quickly as I used to with my leg being sore and feeling out of breath, I don´t always make it to the toilet in time. Do I really have to take these, dearie?
PN: Water tablets work by reducing the workload of your heart, so they´sre very important in order to make it pump better.
Molly: Ok, will that make me feel better then?
PN: When you heart works better you often find that the swelling in your legs and your breathing difficulties will get better. Let´s look at some of the other things we can do to improve your symptoms.
Molly: Ok dear.
Pulse point
Although symptoms can improve it depends on many factors including NHYA class, age, additional comorbidities, blood pressure, renal function. Patients require regular review of these aspects of their management to ensure that their symptoms are managed in the best way. Remember NYHA class is based on patient´s symptoms, not the ejection fraction or echo results so should be considered within all management areas. Patients can move within the NYHA table during exacerbation and improvements in symptoms.
Please see the Additional Information box for the NYHA classification table.
Page last reviewed: 28 Jul 2020
