Overview
Heart failure happens when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, or can only do so with extra strain. This can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, legs, or abdomen. It may affect the left side, right side, or both sides of the heart. Heart failure is usually a long-term condition, but treatment and healthy habits can help manage it.
Key Symptoms
Common symptoms include shortness of breath during activity or when lying flat, unusual tiredness, and swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or belly. Some people notice rapid weight gain from fluid buildup, coughing or wheezing, or needing extra pillows to sleep. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. A sudden change in breathing, swelling, or ability to do usual activities needs prompt medical attention.
Causes and Risk Factors
Heart failure can be caused by coronary artery disease, previous heart attack, long-term high blood pressure, damaged heart valves, or diseases of the heart muscle. Diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, sleep apnea, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and some infections can also raise risk. In some people, irregular heart rhythms or inherited heart conditions play a role. Often, more than one factor is involved.
Who Is Affected
Heart failure can affect adults of any age, but it is more common in older people. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease, obesity, or a history of heart attack are at higher risk. It can affect women and men, though causes and symptoms may differ. Access to healthcare, treatment of risk factors, and other health conditions can influence who develops it and how severe it becomes.
Prevention
Prevention focuses on lowering the risk of the heart problems that lead to heart failure. Managing blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol; not smoking; limiting alcohol; staying active; and eating a heart-healthy diet can help. Treating sleep apnea and following care for kidney or heart disease also matters. Regular medical checkups can help find and manage problems early.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional may ask about symptoms, examine the body for fluid buildup, and listen to the heart and lungs. Tests may include blood tests, an electrocardiogram, chest imaging, and an echocardiogram to look at heart structure and pumping function. In some cases, stress testing or other heart imaging is used. Diagnosis looks at both symptoms and test results.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the cause, the type of heart failure, and how severe it is. Care may include medicines, treatment of underlying conditions such as high blood pressure or valve disease, devices to help heart rhythm or pumping in selected patients, and sometimes procedures or surgery. Some people need support to remove excess fluid and monitor symptoms closely. Follow-up care is important because treatment often needs adjustment over time.
Living With It
Living with heart failure often means tracking symptoms, attending regular appointments, and following the care plan closely. People may be asked to watch for swelling, breathing changes, or rapid weight changes that can suggest fluid buildup. Vaccinations, managing other illnesses, and taking medicines as directed can help reduce complications. Emotional support and practical help with daily routines can also be important.
Diet and Lifestyle
Lifestyle changes can support medical treatment. Many people are advised to reduce salt, avoid smoking, be physically active within their healthcare professional’s guidance, and maintain a healthy weight. Alcohol may need to be limited or avoided, depending on the cause and care plan. It is important to ask a healthcare professional before making major diet, exercise, or fluid changes.
When It May Be an Emergency
Emergency help is needed for severe trouble breathing, blue or gray lips, confusion, fainting, chest pain, or coughing up pink, frothy mucus. These can be signs that the heart or lungs are under dangerous strain. Sudden worsening swelling or a very fast or irregular heartbeat with weakness or dizziness also needs urgent assessment. If emergency symptoms happen, use local emergency services right away.