Heart failure means that the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly. It usually happens because the heart has become too weak or stiff. It's sometimes called congestive heart failure, although this name is not widely used now. Heart failure does not mean your heart has stopped working. It means it needs some support to help it work better. It can occur at any age, but is most common in older people. Heart failure is a long-term condition that tends to get gradually worse over time. It cannot usually be cured, but the symptoms can often be controlled for many years. The main symptoms of heart failure are: Some people also experience other symptoms, such as a persistent cough, a fast heart rate and
dizziness. Symptoms can develop quickly (acute heart failure) or gradually over weeks or months (chronic heart failure). See a GP if you experience persistent or gradually worsening symptoms of heart failure. Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E department as soon as possible if you have sudden or very severe symptoms. A number of tests can be used to help check how well your heart is working, including blood tests, an ECG and an echocardiogram. Find out more about how heart failure is diagnosed Causes of heart failureHeart failure is often the result of a number of problems affecting the heart at the same time. Conditions that can lead to heart failure include:
Sometimes obesity, anaemia, drinking too much alcohol, an overactive thyroid or high pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) can also lead to heart failure. Treatments for heart failureTreatment for heart failure usually aims to control the symptoms for as long as possible and slow down the progression of the condition. How you're treated will depend on what is causing your heart failure. Common treatments include:
Treatment will usually be needed for life. A cure may be possible when heart failure has a treatable cause. For example, if your heart valves are damaged, replacing or repairing them may cure the condition. Outlook for heart failureHeart failure is a serious long-term condition that will usually continue to get slowly worse over time. It can severely limit the activities you're able to do and is often eventually fatal. But it's very difficult to tell how the condition will progress on an individual basis. It's very unpredictable. Lots of people remain stable for many years, while in some cases it may get worse quickly. Information: Social care and support guideIf you:
our guide to care and support explains your options and where you can get support. Page last reviewed: 19 May 2022 Also called: Cardiac failure, CHF, Congestive heart failure, Left-sided heart failure, Right-sided heart failure Heart failure means that your heart can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet your body's needs. Heart failure doesn't mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop beating. But without enough blood flow, your organs may not
work well, which can cause serious problems. Heart failure can affect one or both sides of your heart: Left-sided heart failure is more common than right-sided heart failure. Heart failure can start suddenly after a medical condition or injury damages your heart muscle. But in most cases, heart failure develops slowly from long-term medical conditions. Conditions that can cause heart failure include:
Over time, left-sided heart failure can lead to right-sided heart failure. Who is more likely to develop heart failure?Heart failure can happen at any age. It happens to both men and women, but men often develop it at a younger age than women. Your chance of developing heart failure increases if:
What are the symptoms of heart failure?The symptoms of heart failure depend on which side of your heart is affected and how serious your condition has become. Most symptoms are caused by reduced blood flow to your organs and fluid buildup in your body. Fluid buildup happens because the flow of blood through your heart is too slow. As a result, blood backs up in the vessels that return the blood to your heart. Fluid may leak from the blood vessels and collect in the tissues of your body, causing swelling (edema) and other problems. Symptoms of heart failure may include:
At first you may have no symptoms or mild symptoms. As the disease gets worse, your symptoms will usually bother you more. What other problems does heart failure cause?Fluid buildup and reduced blood flow to your organs can lead to serious problems, including:
How is heart failure diagnosed?To find out if you have heart failure, your doctor will:
In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist (a doctor who specializes in heart diseases) for tests, diagnosis, and care. What are the treatments for heart failure?Your treatment will depend on the type of heart failure you have and how serious it is. There's no cure for heart failure. But treatment can help you live longer with fewer symptoms. Even with treatment, heart failure usually gets worse over time, so you'll likely need treatment for the rest of your life. Most treatment plans include:
You may need heart surgery if:
As part of your treatment, you'll need to pay close attention to your symptoms, because heart failure can worsen suddenly. Your provider may suggest a cardiac rehabilitation program to help you learn how to manage your condition. Can heart failure be prevented?You may be able to prevent or delay heart failure if you:
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Start Here
What is the most common form of initial heart failure?Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease and the most common cause of heart failure. The disease results from the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, which reduces blood flow and can lead to heart attack.
Which factor reflects the most common etiology of heart failure HF )?The most frequent causes of HF with known etiology is ischemic heart disease (42.3% of all cases), followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (37.0%), mitral valve disease (4.3%), aortic valve disease (3.4%), rheumatic heart disease (3.0%), myocarditis (2.6%) and endocarditis (1.4%).
Which of the following are the earliest symptoms of chronic heart failure?5 warning signs of early heart failure. F = Fatigue. When the heart can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet the body's energy needs, a general feeling of tiredness or fatigue sets in.. A = Activity limitation. ... . C = Congestion. ... . E = Edema or ankle swelling. ... . S = Shortness of breath. ... . Image: gpointstudio/Getty Images.. What type of heart failure is HFrEF?Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), also called systolic failure: The left ventricle loses its ability to contract normally. The heart can't pump with enough force to push enough blood into circulation.
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