Heart failure and age: what should you know?

Heart failure means the heart is not meeting the body’s needs as effectively as it should. It is more often linked with conditions that become more common with age, such as long-standing hypertension, previous heart damage, or rhythm problems, but it is not an inevitable part of ageing. A younger adult may also develop it because of inherited heart muscle conditions, inflammation, valve disease, or another health problem.

Symptoms can include breathlessness, tiredness, reduced stamina, a cough, palpitations, or swollen ankles. These symptoms have many possible causes, so their pattern and change over time matter more than age alone.

Arrange a medical review for new or progressing breathlessness, swelling, unusual fatigue, or a noticeable drop in activity tolerance. Bring a list of medicines and relevant diagnoses, including hypertension or atrial fibrillation. Note when symptoms occur, whether they are worse at night or when lying down, and any recent change in weight or footwear fit. A chronic disease review can help coordinate monitoring and treatment when heart failure is already diagnosed.

Seek emergency care for severe breathlessness at rest, chest pressure, fainting, blue lips, sudden confusion, or rapidly worsening swelling with breathing difficulty. A sudden change deserves attention at any age, including in someone who has previously been stable.

What causes are most relevant in my history? Which symptoms should I track between reviews? How will we check whether treatment and blood pressure remain suitable for me?