You have been diagnosed with heart failure, but you are not alone. There are now more than 5 million Americans living with heart failure. Fortunately, with advances in treatment, you may live longer and enjoy a good quality of life. Heart failure is a serious medical condition that occurs when the heart does not pump enough blood to the rest of the body. It may be caused by many factors, such as heart attacks, infections, high blood pressure, toxins (like alcohol or drugs), or inherited conditions—to name a few. Successful treatment of heart failure requires careful attention to your medications and lifestyle. You, as the patient, are the most important member of the entire care team. Actively taking care of yourself is crucial to the success of your treatment. Creating a heart failure self-care routine is an important undertaking, one that requires a good understanding of the illness and …