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For Patients​

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a condition where the heart doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. This doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working; rather, it struggles to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. When this happens, blood and fluid can back up in the lungs and other parts of the body, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, and trouble doing everyday activities. Heart failure is a long-term condition that can get worse over time, but with proper treatment, people can manage symptoms, improve their quality of life, and prevent further complications.

What is Pulmonary Congestion?

Pulmonary congestion is when fluid builds up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. This usually happens because the heart isn’t pumping as well as it should, causing fluid to back up into the lungs. It is common in heart failure and can happen due to other issues like lung injury or infections. Symptoms of pulmonary congestion include:

Treatment

Treatment for pulmonary congestion focuses on quickly reducing the fluid buildup and improving oxygen levels. Immediate treatments may include supplemental oxygen, medications to remove excess fluid (diuretics), and medications to support heart function. If symptoms are severe or worsen suddenly, it's important to seek medical help promptly.

Why is it important to monitor yourself?

Monitoring pulmonary congestion is crucial as it provides your doctor with valuable insights into your heart function and the needed treatment. The congestion level can reveal how well your heart is performing, guide your treatment, and make sure the treatment plan is effective.

ReDS system is a tool for assessing pulmonary congestion. It allows you and your doctor to know your congestion status easily and accurately.

Early detection of pulmonary congestion allows your doctor to adjust treatment promptly, such as modifying medications or fluid intake, to reduce fluid buildup and relieve symptoms. Close monitoring can also help prevent emergency hospital visits, improve patients’ quality of life, and support better long-term health outcomes by keeping heart and lung function more stable over time.

The system can assist your doctor in managing your heart failure better. Studies have shown that utilizing the ReDS system to guide treatment has significantly reduced hospitalizations related to heart failure.

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