URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/heartfailure.html
Show
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
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Learn how to cite this page
Brain A stroke can occur when the arteries to your brain become narrowed or blocked. If the heart isn't working correctly, you become more susceptible to blood clots, which may cause an ischemic stroke. A stroke could kill brain cells in areas of the brain that control speech, strength and memory. Lungs and kidneys Heart disease affects the heart's ability to pump blood to other parts of the body. When blood pumps out of the heart, it goes to other organs and tissues in the body before returning to the heart and then traveling to your lungs to collect oxygen. Heart valves Heart disease can also affect your heart valves. Your valves may become too narrow to allow blood to flow forward, which can cause blood to flow backward into the heart. Heart valve problems can make you feel light-headed and fatigued. They can also cause chest pain and shortness of breath. Arms and legs PAD, or peripheral artery disease, is similar to heart disease in that arteries to the arms and legs can become narrow and restrict blood supply to your extremities. This restriction of blood flow can cause pain, numbness or a tingling feeling. Those with heart disease are at high risk for PAD and vice versa. Care from head to toe Heart care starts with regular visits to a primary care provider. Need a doctor? Find one today at jacksonclinic.org. |