If you or someone you know has heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, you are not alone. According to the American Heart Association, more than five million Americans are living with heart failure, with about 600,000 new cases diagnosed every year.

People with heart failure often have shortness of breath and fatigue. Years of living with blocked arteries or high blood pressure can leave your heart too weak to pump enough blood to your body. As symptoms worsen, advanced heart failure develops.

Advanced heart failure is a serious condition. Though you may find ways to relieve worsening symptoms, such as being less active, drinking less liquid, and sleeping with pillows, your daily enjoyment of life can suffer. The key to managing advanced heart failure is to take control. It's up to you to follow your physician's recommendations and make the necessary lifestyle improvements for healthy living.

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