Heart Failure Basics

Understand what heart failure means and what to watch for.

Use this page alongside your booklet to review common symptoms, understand ejection fraction, and learn why medications matter.

Start with the basics

Bring your HeartStrong booklet to every appointment Patient-friendly education and tools

HeartStrong mascot in an open teaching pose for heart failure basics.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure means the heart needs more support to pump or fill well.

It does not mean your heart has stopped. It means your heart is working under strain, and your care team uses symptoms, ejection fraction, and medications to help you feel better and stay out of the hospital.

Why medications matter

Medication plans are one of the main ways your care team protects your heart.

Some medications lower pressure, some slow the heart, and some help remove extra fluid. Your ejection fraction helps your team decide which combinations are most helpful for you.

Ejection fraction

EF is the percent of blood the left side of the heart pumps out with each beat.

Use this as a conversation starter with your team. The number helps guide treatment, but it is only one part of your overall picture.

Normal EF: 50% to 70%

This means the left side of the heart is pumping out a typical amount of blood with each beat.

HFpEF

Heart failure can still happen when ejection fraction is preserved. Your heart may be stiff or not fill the way it should.

Reduced EF: Under 50%

When EF is reduced, your team may recommend specific medication classes to help protect your heart over time.

Symptom guide

Use your booklet symptom tracker to notice changes early.

The goal is not to memorize every symptom. It is to recognize when things feel different and know when to call your care team or get urgent help.

Green: Keep going

No new or worse shortness of breath
Weight is stable
No new swelling in feet or ankles
Physical activity feels close to normal

Action: Keep taking medications as directed and continue your daily routine.

Yellow: Caution

Weight gain of 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week
Trouble sleeping or needing more pillows
Shortness of breath with activity or a dry cough
New dizziness or lightheadedness

Action: Call your healthcare team and use your symptom tracker to describe the change.

Red: Alert

Fainting or passing out
New chest pain or chest pressure
Shortness of breath at rest
New or severe dizziness, confusion, or sudden mental health distress

Action: Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.

Video learning

Follow HeartStrong with ENGAGE-HF education.

These short ENGAGE-HF videos reinforce the same topics covered on this page: what heart failure means, why medicines matter, what to track at home, and what dizziness can mean.

ENGAGE-HF video

Importance of Heart Meds

Best before or after the medication guide so the four core treatment groups make more sense in plain language.

An overview of guideline-directed medical therapy and why the four core medication groups help people feel better, live longer, and avoid hospitalization.

ENGAGE-HF video

Introduction to Heart Failure

Watch this first if you want a simple explanation of what heart failure means and what changes to notice early.

A plain-language explanation of what heart failure is, why it is serious, and the symptoms that usually show up first.

ENGAGE-HF video

Weight Monitoring

Helpful when you begin using the vitals tracker or want a clearer reason for daily weight checks.

Explains why sudden weight gain can signal fluid retention and when to call your care team about changes.

ENGAGE-HF video

Dizziness

Good to review if symptoms, blood pressure changes, or medications are leaving you lightheaded or unsteady.

Explains common reasons dizziness happens in heart failure and offers tips that can make it easier to manage safely.