Heart Failure

The term "heart failure" sounds like the heart isn’t working at all and that nothing can be done. However, the American Heart Association defines "heart failure" as the heart not pumping as well as it should. The weakened heart cannot supply the body’s cells with enough oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood, resulting in fatigue and shortness of breath. Everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying groceries can become very difficult. Assess your risk of developing heart failure.

Heart failure is a serious condition (and often a chronic disease) that has no cure, but you can live a full and enjoyable life with the right treatment and attention to your lifestyle. Nearly 5 million Americans are living with heart failure and 550,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

It is important to minimize or eliminate the factors that you can control. These include:

• Physical inactivity
• Stress
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Being overweight or obese
• Flu and pneumonia

Change isn’t always easy, but with the support of your physician, family, and friends, you can make healthy habits a way of life – one step at a time!

TRICARE benefit information

Cholesterol: TRICARE covers cholesterol tests once every five years beginning at age 18.
Blood Pressure: Blood pressure exams are covered by TRICARE under clinical preventive services.

Additional resource

American Heart Association

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