What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure occurs when your heart cannot pump blood as effectively as it should. Despite its name, it doesn't mean your heart has stopped working – rather, it's working less efficiently than normal.
Common Types
-
Left-sided heart failure
- Reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)
- Preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
-
Right-sided heart failure
-
Biventricular failure
Key Symptoms
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling (edema) in legs, ankles, and feet
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Persistent cough or wheezing
- Swelling of the abdomen (ascites)
Risk Factors
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Previous heart attack
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Age (more common in older adults)
Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- Blood tests (including BNP levels)
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- Stress tests
Treatment Options
Medications
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs
- Beta blockers
- Diuretics
- Aldosterone antagonists
- SGLT2 inhibitors
Lifestyle Changes
- Reducing salt intake
- Regular exercise as tolerated
- Weight management
- Smoking cessation
- Limiting alcohol
Advanced Treatments
- Implantable devices (ICDs, CRT)
- Heart valve surgery
- Heart transplant
Living with Heart Failure
- Monitor symptoms daily
- Weigh yourself regularly
- Take medications as prescribed
- Attend follow-up appointments
- Know when to seek emergency care
When to Contact Your Doctor
- Sudden weight gain
- Increased shortness of breath
- Severe swelling
- Chest pain
- Fainting episodes