Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively enough to meet the body's requirements. It does not mean that the heart has stopped working. Instead, the heart's pumping or filling ability becomes impaired.
Heart failure may develop gradually due to coronary artery disease, previous heart attacks, uncontrolled hypertension, heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy, or certain rhythm disorders. Common symptoms include breathlessness during activity or while resting, persistent tiredness, swelling of the feet and ankles, rapid weight gain due to fluid retention, reduced exercise tolerance, and difficulty breathing while lying flat.
Heart failure can be classified into different types depending on whether the heart's pumping function is reduced or preserved. Treatment aims to control symptoms, reduce fluid buildup, improve heart function where possible, and prevent hospitalizations. Management may include medicines, dietary and lifestyle changes, treatment of the underlying cause, and selected devices or procedures.
