Rise Above Heart FailureFact Sheet

About Rise AboveHeart Failure

The American Heart Association (AHA) launched Rise Above Heart Failure to change the course of heart failure (HF) in the United States through awareness, education and support. The campaign is nationally supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

Rise AboveHeart Failureseeks to increase the dialogue about HF and improve the lives of people affected by the condition. HF is a chronic, progressive disease in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body’s needs. With nearly six million Americans living with HF and about 870,000 new cases reported annually, HF is one of the most common heart conditions in the United States.There are ways to manage and treat the condition, yet one in nine deaths include HF as a contributing cause, and about half of people with HF die within five years of being diagnosed.

Through the initiative, AHA strives to make a measurable impact on HF by2020, by increasing the dialogue about the condition, empowering patients to take a more active role in their care, and encouraging small changes that can lead to healthier lifestyles and better disease management tohelp keep patients out of the hospital.

As part of Rise AboveHeart Failure,AHA will:

  • Convene an alliance of thought-leaders to assess the current burden of HF and develop strategies to address the issue through policy changes, healthcare system improvements, and patient empowerment.
  • Encourage people to make small changes in their lives to live healthier physically and emotionally, and to share those changes through multiple venues to inspire others.
  • Spread awareness about HF and show support for those with the condition by asking people to share “Hearties” (photos of individuals or groups creating the shape of a heart) on social media, along with a small change they pledge to make to their daily routine.
  • Provide information, resources and support to help people ‘rise above’ HF.

Ways to Get Involved with Rise AboveHeart Failure

There are multiple ways to get involved with Rise AboveHeart Failureand support the HF community, including the following:

  • Learn about HF:Understand what puts you and your family at risk for HF.
  • HF results from health conditions that either damage the heart or make it work too hard. All of the lifestyle factors that increase your risk of heart attack and stroke – smoking, being overweight, eating foods high in fat, sodium and cholesterol and physical inactivity – can also contribute to HF.
  • In addition, people with the following are at higher risk of developing HF: diabetes, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, obesity and metabolic syndrome.
  • Know the symptoms: Talk to a healthcare professional if you or a family member has any of the potential signs of heart failure, such as:
  • Shortness of breath,
  • Persistent coughing or wheezing,
  • Buildup of excess fluid in body tissues (edema),
  • Fatigue,
  • Lack of appetite or nausea,
  • Impaired thinking, or
  • Increased heart rate
  • Stay healthy: Many people with HF can lead full, enjoyable lives through management with proper treatment and healthy lifestyle changes.
  • The most important thing to do is to work closely with your physician and follow their advice.
  • Appropriate exercise and eating a heart healthy diet low in sodium can help you feel better.
  • Taking your medicines as directed also can help.
  • Know the signs of HF, which can include difficulty breathing, fatigue, swelling of the feet, ankles and legs, and confusion. If you experience these signs, talk to your doctor – the earlier you seek care for HF, the better your chances are to live a longer, more active life.
  • Share your story: Visit to learn more about HF, share your experience, inspiration or advice, and access resources to help you rise above HF through small changes.
  • The site includes comprehensive tools to help patients and caregivers rise above HF in their daily lives.
  • Spread the word: HF will affect one in five Americans in their lifetimes. Spread the word to others by:
  • Sharing a “Heartie” on social media tagged with #MyChangeofHeart, and tagging five friends to encourage them to join the movement.
  • Sharing this video the hashtag #MyChangeofHearton social media to inspire others to rise above HF.

Visit begin a new HF journey.

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