Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Heart failure

Heart failure means the heart does not pump blood around the body well enough to meet the body's needs. This can make you tired, breathless and less able to manage activity, and cause fluid to build up in your legs, abdomen or lungs. Suddenly worsening breathlessness, especially at rest or when lying down, pink frothy phlegm, confusion or rapid deterioration may indicate acute heart failure or pulmonary oedema and requires immediate emergency attention.

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  • Heart failure means the heart does not pump or fill well enough to supply the body with blood properly. It is often a long-term condition, but it can also worsen suddenly.
  • Typical symptoms include breathlessness, tiredness, reduced ability to exercise, swollen ankles, peeing at night and rapid weight gain from fluid. Not everyone has all symptoms at once.
  • Fluid can build up in the legs, abdomen and lungs. This can make lying down difficult, so people may need extra pillows or wake suddenly feeling short of breath.
  • Sudden, marked worsening, especially severe breathlessness at rest, pink frothy phlegm, confusion or rapid deterioration, may indicate acute heart failure or pulmonary oedema and needs immediate assessment.
  • Contact your own GP for new or worsening symptoms. Outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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