YOUR HEART FAILURE
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
GENERAL HEART FAILURE
Nothing can quite prepare you to hear the words "you have heart failure" from your doctor. It's normal to feel overwhelmed, but don't get discouraged. Heart failure is a serious condition, but it can be manageable, too. With the right medications, healthy lifestyle changes, and the support of caregivers, people with heart failure can manage their conditions.
While heart failure is not curable, managing your condition is possible. Heart failure is commonly categorized based on limitations to physical activity, varying degrees of shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Early stages of heart failure can be tricky to detect because the body will compensate to help the heart pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Regular checkups with your doctor can be beneficial for early detection. Learn about heart failure symptoms from the American Heart Association.
One way to start is by reducing sodium levels in your diet, following a doctor-recommended exercise program, and being open and vocal about your emotional well-being.
Diagnosing heart failure requires a variety of tests, including a physical exam, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), and an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart. A blood test may also be performed, as well as a chest X-ray and stress test.
The overall goal of treatment is to help the heart continue doing what it does best, which is pumping blood throughout the body. Be sure to discuss with your doctor to find the best plan of action for you.
RISK FACTORS
Heart failure and type 2 diabetes are closely linked, but it's not a one-way street. Having either type 2 diabetes or heart failure independently increases the risk for getting the other, and both often occur together. Recent studies have found some treatments for diabetes may also improve heart failure outcomes.
Although heart failure is a major health concern for all Americans, African Americans are at greater risk for earlier onset and experience higher amounts of death caused by heart failure. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, could be an underlying factor, as it leads to left ventricular dysfunction in African Americans more often than in Caucasians.
Men have a higher incidence of heart failure, but the overall prevalence rate is similar in both sexes because women survive longer after the onset of symptoms. Women tend to be older when diagnosed.
Smoking is especially problematic for people with heart failure. It increases heart rate and blood pressure for a short time and can rob your heart and brain of the oxygen they need, which increases the risk of heart failure. Quitting can remove a major source of damage to your heart.
FOR CAREGIVERS
Yes, of course, because the role of the caregiver is less clinical and more holistic. One way for caregivers to help is by keeping track of treatment and encouraging lifestyle changes. A healthy lifestyle can help patients manage stress and other mental and emotional challenges that come with having a chronic disease.
Healthy lifestyle changes are not merely preventative; they can be actual heart failure therapy. A great starting point for a caregiver would be to help the person with heart failure follow the directions given by their doctor.
People with heart failure often need multiple medications. Caregivers can help manage medications by keeping a record of all medicines, using a weekly pill organizer, and building a medication routine. You can also use the Medisafe app, which helps with managing multiple medications.
People with heart failure have good days and not-so-good days. To help identify which days could be more serious, cardiologists recommend creating a doctor-approved action plan.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), a typical plan may fall into three zones:
- Green = Excellent. No new or worsening shortness of breath. Physical activity level is normal. No new swelling; feet and legs look normal. Weight is stable. No chest pain. Continue checking your weight daily, taking meds as directed, staying on a low sodium diet, and attending follow-up visits with your doctor.
- Yellow = Pay Attention. Dry, hacking cough. Worsening shortness of breath with activity. Increased swelling of legs, feet, and ankles. Sudden weight gain of more than 2 to 3 lbs. Discomfort or swelling in the abdomen. Trouble sleeping. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's time to check in! Your symptoms may indicate a need to contact your doctor or healthcare provider and a need for a change in medications.
- Red = Medical Alert. Frequent dry, hacking cough. Shortness of breath at rest. Increased discomfort or swelling in the lower body. Sudden weight gain of more than 2 to 3 lbs. New or worsening dizziness, confusion, sadness, or depression. Loss of appetite. Increased trouble sleeping; cannot lie flat. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you need to be evaluated right away. Call your doctor or call 911.
View full American Heart Association Self-Check Plan HERE.
QUESTIONS ABOUT JARDIANCE
That's correct! JARDIANCE is indicated to lower A1C in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise, but there's also news to get pumped about: JARDIANCE is proven effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure, in adults with heart failure, when the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body.
Heart failure is most commonly treated with a combination of medications. JARDIANCE may work by making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. See the benefits of JARDIANCE.
Yes, JARDIANCE works for people with heart failure, whether they have type 2 diabetes or not. Clinical trials showed that JARDIANCE reduced the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure.
Yes, JARDIANCE is often prescribed with other medications. Different medications treat different contributing factors and come with their own instructions and rules.
It's important to discuss all the medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, with your doctor to determine the best plan of action for you.
JARDIANCE is proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure, in adults with heart failure, when the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body. It may work by making it easier for the heart to fill with blood and pump it throughout the body. Learn more about JARDIANCE.
Adding JARDIANCE to your current heart failure medication can help you to reduce the risk of CV death and hospitalization for heart failure. Ask your doctor if JARDIANCE is right for you.
Heart failure is usually treated with multiple medications that work together in different ways. Only your doctor can tell you if adding JARDIANCE to your current routine can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure. Talk to your doctor to see if JARDIANCE is right for you.
If you experience any side effects or changes to your health while taking JARDIANCE, be sure to tell your doctor.
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
Common side effects are urinary tract infections and yeast infections. Tell your doctor if you experience these or other side effects.
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS
Some of the more serious side effects include diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in your blood or urine in people with type 1 and other ketoacidosis), dehydration (that can lead to sudden worsening of kidney function), vaginal yeast infections, yeast infection of the skin around the penis, serious urinary tract infections, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, necrotizing fasciitis,* lower limb amputations, and allergic reactions (hypersensitivity).
*Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but serious bacterial infection that causes damage to the tissue under the skin in the area between and around the anus and genitals (perineum).
JARDIANCE is a prescription medicine used to:
- reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure, when the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body
- reduce the risk of further worsening of kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), death due to cardiovascular disease, and hospitalization in adults with chronic kidney disease
- reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have known cardiovascular disease
- lower blood sugar along with diet and exercise in adults and children who are 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes
JARDIANCE is not for use to lower blood sugar in people with type 1 diabetes. It may increase their risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine).
JARDIANCE is not for use to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes who have severe kidney problems, because it may not work.
JARDIANCE is not for people with polycystic kidney disease, or who are taking or have recently received certain types of immunosuppressive therapy to treat kidney disease. JARDIANCE is not expected to work if you have these conditions.
Do not take JARDIANCE if you are allergic to empagliflozin or any of the ingredients in JARDIANCE. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:
- rash
- raised, red areas on your skin (hives)
- swelling of your face, lips, mouth, and throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing
If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking JARDIANCE and call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
JARDIANCE can cause serious side effects, including:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in your blood or urine) in people with type 1 and other ketoacidosis. JARDIANCE can cause ketoacidosis that can be life-threatening and may lead to death. Ketoacidosis is a serious condition which needs to be treated in a hospital. People with type 1 diabetes have a high risk of getting ketoacidosis. People with type 2 diabetes or pancreas problems also have an increased risk of getting ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis can also happen in people who are sick, cannot eat or drink as usual, skip meals, and are on a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates (ketogenic diet), take less than the usual amount of insulin or miss insulin doses, drink too much alcohol, have a loss of too much fluid from the body (volume depletion), or who have surgery. Ketoacidosis can happen even if your blood sugar is less than 250 mg/dL. Your healthcare provider may ask you to periodically check ketones in your urine or blood. Stop taking JARDIANCE and call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you get any of the following symptoms. If possible, check for ketones in your urine or blood, even if your blood sugar is less than 250 mg/dL: nausea, vomiting, stomach-area (abdominal) pain, tiredness, trouble breathing, ketones in your urine or blood.
- Dehydration. JARDIANCE can cause some people to become dehydrated (the loss of body water and salt). Dehydration may cause you to feel dizzy, faint, light-headed, or weak, especially when you stand up. Sudden worsening of kidney function has happened in people who are taking JARDIANCE. You may be at a higher risk of dehydration if you: take medicines to lower your blood pressure, including water pills (diuretics), are on a low salt diet, have kidney problems, or are 65 years of age or older. Talk to your healthcare provider about what you can do to prevent dehydration, including how much fluid you should drink on a daily basis. Call your healthcare provider right away if you reduce the amount of food or liquid you drink, if you are sick or cannot eat, or start to lose liquids from your body from vomiting, diarrhea, or being in the sun too long.
- Vaginal yeast infection. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have vaginal odor, white or yellowish vaginal discharge (discharge may be lumpy or look like cottage cheese), and/or vaginal itching.
Yeast infection of the skin around the penis. Swelling of an uncircumcised penis may develop that makes it difficult to pull back the skin around the tip of the penis. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have redness, itching or swelling of the penis, rash of the penis, foul smelling discharge from the penis, and/or pain in the skin around the penis.
Talk to your healthcare provider about what to do if you get symptoms of a yeast infection of the vagina or penis. Your healthcare provider may suggest you use an over-the-counter antifungal medicine. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you use an over-the-counter antifungal medication and your symptoms do not go away.
- Serious urinary tract infections. Serious urinary tract infections can occur in people taking JARDIANCE and may lead to hospitalization. Tell your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as a burning feeling when passing urine, a need to urinate often or right away, pain in the lower part of your stomach or pelvis, or blood in the urine. Sometimes people also may have a fever, back pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). In adults, if you take JARDIANCE with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as sulfonylurea or insulin, your risk of low blood sugar is higher. In children 10 years of age and older, the risk for low blood sugar is higher with JARDIANCE regardless of use with another medicine that can also lower blood sugar. The dose of your sulfonylurea or insulin may need to be lowered. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, irritability, hunger, fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking or feeling jittery.
- Necrotizing fasciitis. A rare but serious bacterial infection that causes damage to the tissue under the skin in the area between and around your anus and genitals (perineum). This bacterial infection has happened in people who take JARDIANCE, and may lead to hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and death. Seek medical attention immediately if you have a fever or are feeling very weak, tired or uncomfortable (malaise), and you develop any of the following symptoms in the area between and around your anus and genitals: pain or tenderness, swelling, and redness of skin (erythema).
- Amputations. SGLT2 inhibitors may increase your risk of lower limb amputations. You may be at a higher risk of lower limb amputation if you have a history of amputation; have had blocked or narrowed blood vessels, usually in your leg; have had diabetic foot infection, ulcers or sores. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new pain or tenderness, any sores, ulcers, or infections in your leg or foot. Talk to your healthcare provider about proper foot care.
- Serious allergic reactions. If you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction stop taking JARDIANCE and call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
The most common side effects of JARDIANCE include urinary tract infections and yeast infections in females.
These are not all the possible side effects of JARDIANCE. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Before you take JARDIANCE, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you have type 1 diabetes or have had diabetic ketoacidosis, have a decrease in your insulin dose, have a serious infection, have a history of infection of the vagina or penis, have a history of amputation, or have kidney or liver problems. Also tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of urinary tract infections or problems with urination. Tell your healthcare provider if you are on a low sodium (salt) diet because your healthcare provider may change your diet or dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you are going to have surgery because your healthcare provider may stop JARDIANCE before you have surgery. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are having surgery about when to stop taking JARDIANCE and when to start it again. Also tell your healthcare provider if you are eating less or there is a change in your diet; are dehydrated; have or have had problems with your pancreas, including pancreatitis or surgery on your pancreas; drink alcohol very often, or drink a lot of alcohol in the short term (“binge” drinking); have ever had an allergic reaction to JARDIANCE; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. JARDIANCE may harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking JARDIANCE, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed. JARDIANCE may pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby. Do not breastfeed while taking JARDIANCE.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, please see Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.
CL-JAR-100168 09.21.2023