Heart failure is when the heart is unable to pump the necessary amount of blood throughout the body and often a symptom of an underlying problem such as coronary artery disease or high blood pressure. Contradictory to what many people think, heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped but refers to the heart's inability to function properly.
Cause
After other conditions have weakened your heart it will cause heart failure. Some of these conditions include coronary artery disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, myocarditis and arrhythmia. When a defect in the heart is present at birth it can also lead to heart failure. Faulty heart valves will force your heart to work harder to pump blood which can also lead to heart failure.
Symptoms
Heart failure usually develops progressively. Some of the symptoms you might notice are fatigue or weakness, arrhythmia, difficulty breathing, a persistent cough, and a swelling of the legs, ankles and feet called edema. You might also experience weight gain and nausea.
Treatment
Lifelong management will be necessary for treating heart failure. With proper treatment the heart can become stronger and improve. In some cases heart failure can be corrected by treating the underlying cause. Most of the time treatment involves a proper balance of the right medications and in some cases devices to assist the heart in beating properly.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you are experiencing heart failure, please consult your doctor.
Heart Failure Treatment Options
Medications
- MedicineNet.com: Congestive Heart Failure - Medications
References
Fast Facts
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Two types
Systolic heart failure and Diastolic heart failure
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Every 2 minutes
new case diagnosed
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Fact:
550,000 people diagnosed each year
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Fact:
Responsible for more hospitalizations than all cancer
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Fact:
Not the same as heart attack
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Fact:
Doesn't mean the heart has stopped working
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Fact:
Common condition
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Fact:
Higher in men than women
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Fact:
May get worse over time
