Halilntaln Sodas ManagingHeart Failure Is Worth TheEffort A study by the American Heart Association shows people with HF report spending more time on managing their condition;free app aimsto makeit easier (NAPSA)—The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovasculardiseases andstroke, shared this monththat moreheart failure patients and their caregivers report they are putting more effort into managing this complex condition. In 2015, just 55 percent of survey respondentssaid they were working harder to manage HE. Thelatest study shows a 14-point increase, with 69 percent now putting effort toward the importantdaily task of managing heart failure. Peete) The AHA conductedits annual survey aspart ofthe Rise Above HeartFailure initiative, nationally supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and found that while those diagnosed with heart failure and their caregivers are spending more time and energy managing the disease, they are benefiting. These two groups showed an increased understandingofheartfailure since the survey was last conducted. “Tts important to understand heart failure or any condition you have been diagnosedwith?says John Osborne, M.D., cardiologist and American Heart Associa~ tion volunteer. “It allows youtoask better questions ofyour healthcare providers and take an active role in your health? Through Rise Above Heart Fail- ure, people living with heart failure can access free tools to help make the daily task of managing medications, symptoms and doctor's visits simpler. This includes an app called HF Path, designed to keep all aspects of heart failure managementat a patient’s—or caregiver’s—fingertips. Heart failure, which occurs when the heartis notabletoefficiently pump bloodaroundthe body, can cause symptoms like breathlessness, persistent coughing, swelling and fatigue. “It’s important for heart failure patients to track their symptomsdayto day so they can alert their healthcare provider to any warningsigns ofworsening HF and get prompt treatment,’ said Osborne. “World Heart Day serves as a great reminderto usall to make a promise to better understand and advocate for our ownhealth” Download the app at heart.org/ HFPath. Editor's Note: Although World Heart Day 2018 was September29, this information can benefityour readers at any time,
