Heart failure
Overview
Heart failure means that the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly. It usually happens because the heart has become too weak or stiff.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of heart failure are: breathlessnessafter activity or at restfeeling tired most of the time and finding exercise exhaustingfeeling lightheaded or faintingswollen ankles and legs Some people also experience other symptoms, such as a persistent cough, a fast heart rate anddizziness. Symptoms can develop quickly (acute heart failure) or gradually over weeks or months (chronic heart failure).
Causes
Heart failure is often the result of a number of problems affecting the heart at the same time. Conditions that can lead to heart failure include: coronary heart disease– where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become clogged up with fatty substances (atherosclerosis), which may causeanginaor aheart attackhigh blood pressure– this can put extra strain on the heart, which over time can lead to heart failureconditions affecting the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), such asatrial fibrillationdamage or other problems with the heart valvescongenital heart disease– birth defects that affect the normal workings of the heart Sometimesobesity,anaemia, drinking too much alcohol, anoveractive thyroidor high pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) can also lead to heart failure.
Treatment
Treatment for heart failure usually aims to control the symptoms for as long as possible and slow down the progression of the condition. How you're treated will depend on what is causing your heart failure. Common treatments include: lifestyle changes – including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and stopping smokingmedicine – a range of medicines can help; many people need to take 2 or 3 different typesdevices implanted in your chest – these can help control your heart rhythmsurgery – such as abypass operationor a heart transplant Treatment will usually be needed for life. A cure may be possible when heart failure has a treatable cause. For example, if your heart valves are damaged, replacing or repairing them may cure the condition.
Prevention
Manage heart conditions; stop smoking; moderate alcohol; healthy weight.
When to see a doctor
See GP for persistent breathlessness/swelling. Call 999: sudden severe breathing difficulty; chest pain.