Heart failure (HF), also known as congestive heart failure, is a common condition that develops after the heart becomes damaged or weakened by diseases of the heart including heart attacks and other medical conditions. HF occurs when the pumping action of your heart is not strong enough to move blood around, especially during increased activity or under stress. In addition, the heart muscle may not relax properly to accommodate the flow of blood back from the lungs to the heart. These abnormalities in heart function can cause fluid to back up in your lungs and in other parts of your body such as your ankles. The congestion in your lungs and lack of oxygen may make you feel tired and short of breath. Sometimes the fluid in your lungs can accumulate to the point where it can cause a life-threatening condition called acute pulmonary edema, requiring emergency treatment.
Heart failure is on the rise as more people survive heart attacks and other acute heart conditions. As people with damaged hearts are living longer, they become more susceptible to heart failure. It is estimated that there are about 500,000 Canadians living with heart failure.
Heart failure is a serious condition. There is no cure. However, with lifestyle changes and treatment options, you can manage your condition very well. Many patients can return to a full and normal life. Learning about your heart failure is an important first step in managing your condition.
Symptoms of heart failure
When your heart doesn’t pump well and congestion occurs, you may experience some of these symptoms. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if any of the following occurs:
increased shortness of breath, especially when lying flat
sudden gain of more than 1.5 kg (3 pounds) over 1 to 2 days, or 2.5 kg (5 pounds) in a single week
bloating or feeling full all the time
cough or cold symptoms that last for longer than a week
tiredness, loss of energy or extreme tiredness
loss of or change in appetite
increased swelling of the ankles, feet, legs, sacrum (base of the spine) or abdomen (stomach area)
increased urination at night.
It’s important to recognize the symptoms of heart failure. Here are steps you should take:
If your symptoms are mild, see your family doctor or call your heart failure clinic.
If your symptoms are severe, go to emergency or call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.
What causes heart failure?
Heart failure has many causes or underlying risk factors. The most common is damage to the heart muscle caused by a heart attack (myocardial infarction). A heart attack occurs when one of the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle) becomes blocked. If this happens, part of your heart may be starved of oxygen and may become permanently damaged.
The second most common cause of heart failure is high blood pressure (hypertension). If left undiagnosed and untreated for a long period, hypertension can lead to heart failure. It is important to get your blood pressure checked at least once every two years or more often if your physician recommends you do so.
Heart failure may also be caused by other less common causes, including:
Heart valves that are not working properly by being too narrow or leaky (heart valve disease)
Infection causing inflammation of the heart muscle (endocarditis or myocarditis)
Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
Diabetes
Being obese or overweight
High blood cholesterol
Heart muscle disease of unknown causes
Other medical conditions such as thyroid diseases or anemia.
Making a diagnosis of heart failure
Your doctor will take your medical history, examine you and have you take some tests to determine if you have heart failure and how it should be treated and managed. Doctors may use several tests and procedures such as: (heartandstroke)
Heart failure is a serious condition. There is no cure. However, with lifestyle changes and treatment options, you can manage your condition very well. Many patients can return to a full and normal life. Learning about your heart failure is an important first step in managing your condition.
Symptoms of heart failure
When your heart doesn’t pump well and congestion occurs, you may experience some of these symptoms. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if any of the following occurs:
increased shortness of breath, especially when lying flat
sudden gain of more than 1.5 kg (3 pounds) over 1 to 2 days, or 2.5 kg (5 pounds) in a single week
bloating or feeling full all the time
cough or cold symptoms that last for longer than a week
tiredness, loss of energy or extreme tiredness
loss of or change in appetite
increased swelling of the ankles, feet, legs, sacrum (base of the spine) or abdomen (stomach area)
increased urination at night.
It’s important to recognize the symptoms of heart failure. Here are steps you should take:
If your symptoms are mild, see your family doctor or call your heart failure clinic.
If your symptoms are severe, go to emergency or call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.
What causes heart failure?
Heart failure has many causes or underlying risk factors. The most common is damage to the heart muscle caused by a heart attack (myocardial infarction). A heart attack occurs when one of the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle) becomes blocked. If this happens, part of your heart may be starved of oxygen and may become permanently damaged.
The second most common cause of heart failure is high blood pressure (hypertension). If left undiagnosed and untreated for a long period, hypertension can lead to heart failure. It is important to get your blood pressure checked at least once every two years or more often if your physician recommends you do so.
Heart failure may also be caused by other less common causes, including:
Heart valves that are not working properly by being too narrow or leaky (heart valve disease)
Infection causing inflammation of the heart muscle (endocarditis or myocarditis)
Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
Diabetes
Being obese or overweight
High blood cholesterol
Heart muscle disease of unknown causes
Other medical conditions such as thyroid diseases or anemia.
Making a diagnosis of heart failure
Your doctor will take your medical history, examine you and have you take some tests to determine if you have heart failure and how it should be treated and managed. Doctors may use several tests and procedures such as: (heartandstroke)
