Medically reviewed by Alan Lucks | MD, Alan Lucks MDPC Private Practice - New York on December 7th, 2023.
Heart failure is a condition where your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. It doesn't mean that your heart has stopped working, but rather that it isn't working as efficiently as it should. Heart failure affects nearly 7 million Americans, and about 1 in 4 people will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime.
The symptoms of heart failure can vary from person to person and may be mild or severe. Some common symptoms include:
Tiredness or fatigue
Shortness of breath
Cough or wheezing
Swelling in the ankles, legs, or belly
Difficulty doing daily activities
Other symptoms may include a raised need to urinate at night, appetite loss, dizziness, weakness, and chest pain.
Heart failure can be caused by many different conditions that damage the heart muscle, including:
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Heart attack
Cardiomyopathy
High blood pressure
Heart valve disease
Thyroid disease
Kidney disease
Diabetes
Sometimes, more than one condition can combine to cause heart failure.
If you have symptoms of heart failure, your doctor will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. They may also order tests such as:
Blood tests
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) blood test
Chest X-ray
Echocardiogram
EKG or ECG
Cardiac catheterization
Stress test
These tests can help your doctor determine the cause and severity of your heart failure.
Treatment for heart failure depends on the cause and severity of your condition. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as:
Losing weight
Exercising regularly
Eating a healthy, low-sodium diet
Quitting smoking
Managing stress
Getting enough sleep
Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help manage your heart failure, such as:
ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers
Beta blockers
Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors
Digoxin
Diuretics and aldosterone antagonists
In some cases, surgery or other procedures may be needed to treat heart failure. These may include:
Coronary bypass surgery
Heart valve repair or replacement
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Cardiac resynchronization therapy
Ventricular assist device
Heart transplant
If you have heart failure, there are many things you can do to manage your condition and improve your quality of life. These include:
Taking your medications as prescribed
Monitoring your symptoms and reporting any changes to your doctor
Keeping a balance of fluids and limiting salt intake
Exercising regularly as recommended by your doctor
Attending regular doctor appointments and cardiac rehabilitation if recommended
It's also important to avoid medications that can worsen heart failure, such as NSAIDs and some cough and cold medicines. Always check with your doctor before starting any new medication.
With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, many people with heart failure are able to manage their condition and enjoy a good quality of life. If you have any questions or concerns about heart failure, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
For more information about heart failure, check out these reputable sources:
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