Other considerations regarding access to care can

care, so the patient can maintain compliance with continuing care. Other considerations
regarding access to care can include language barriers and cultural differences that may make the
patient distrustful, confused, or even unclear about managing heart disease. Heart failure

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patients must be able to overcome the previously mentioned concerns to control their care well
and prevent readmission to hospitals or further progression of the disease. Access to healthcare
and management of heart failure means finding ways to overcome day to day obstacles in that
person's life.
Treatment options:
Medications are shown to be the best treatment for heart failure through research studies.
Heart failure patients may need multiple medications for different symptoms. These medications
have been proven to extend and save lives by improving the heart’s function. Patients with heart
failure can expect good results when they take the prescribed medications continually and follow
the directions of the cardiologist even if they begin to improve. Managing medical regimen can
decrease symptoms associated with heart failure and help people lead a better quality of life.
Life expectancy:
Lifestyle changes may slow the disease progression and increase life expectancy. These
may include gradually reduce weight to decrease blood pressure, reducing sodium intake, and
eating a heart-healthy diet. All of which will decrease the workload of the heart and increase life
expectancy. Another option in my community is cardiac rehabilitation facilities. These facilities
help heart disease patients rehabilitate, manage exercise, and implement a healthy diet with
support, equipment, and education. Lifestyle changes can prove difficult, but they can also prove
very beneficial. With access and treatment and options that vary patients can manage and even
drastically change the progression of the disease. The life expectancy of diagnosed heart failure
patients has sharply increased due to the new treatments and medications over the past several
years. According to the American Heart Association, 2018, the life expectancy after diagnosis of
heart failure is approximately five years. When the patient complies with a medication regimen,

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physical suggestions, and diet modification, patients can increase their life expectancy beyond
the five years.
Outcomes:
Better outcomes can be achieved by using surgical procedures and devices that are
offered when medications and lifestyle change are not enough to control the symptoms of the
disease. Devices can be implanted in the patient's body to manage and maintain the necessary
work the heart cannot accomplish on its own. Surgical procedures can increase life expectancy
and provide better outcomes for these patients. Other ways to achieve better results is to educate
the patient on when to contact their cardiologist. Being able to recognize changes in symptoms
such as rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, or swelling in the extremities can be an essential
reason to notify the cardiologist.