Symptoms of congestive heart failure include shortness of breath, cough, fatigue and swelling of the feet and legs.

Medications to treat congestive heart failure include beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, angiotensin II receptor blockers and inotropes.

A pacemaker may be an option to improve heart function, while an implantable defibrillator can correct abnormal heart rhythms.

It’s important to avoid sodium in your diet, as this leads to fluid retention. This doesn’t just mean not adding salt to your food; you need to closely examine labels and plan low-sodium meals.

Many patients benefit from a cardiac rehabilitation program, and regular exercise is essential for all patients. If you’re overweight or obese, you’ll need to work with your healthcare team to lose weight.