Heart Failure Specialist

What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a condition where the heart muscle is no longer able to pump as much blood as the rest of your body needs to stay healthy. Over time, heart failure can cause a buildup of fluids that causes an appearance of puffiness, and it can also cause feelings of weakness and shortness of breath.

What causes heart failure?

Heart failure can be caused by many conditions that cause damage to the heart muscle. Some of the most common causes include:

• heart attack

• coronary artery disease

• high blood pressure (hypertension)

• uncontrolled diabetes

• congenital heart disease (since birth)

• infection or inflammation of the heart

• illnesses or conditions like rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, hyperthyroidism or lupus

• use of certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs

• alcohol or drug abuse

• diseases or infections of the heart's valves

• irregular heartbeat

• disease of the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis)

• lifestyle factors like high-sodium diets or smoking

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

Shortness of breath and fluid retention, including swollen feet and ankles, are the most common. Other symptoms include dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, cough, frequent urination, weight gain, and tiring easily. In the early stages of heart failure, you may have few or no noticeable symptoms.

How is heart failure treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of heart failure, the symptoms you're experiencing, how advanced your disease is (what stage of heart failure you're experiencing) and your general health. Some options include:

• medications to manage symptoms and prevent damage to the heart

• lifestyle changes like limiting salt intake, increasing physical activity and losing excess weight

• oxygen treatments to reduce shortness of breath and improve ability to perform physical activities

• therapy or devices like pacemakers to treat heart rhythm issues