What is the most common cause of heart failure?

Heart failure means the heart cannot pump or fill well enough to meet the body’s needs. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder, while narrowed or blocked heart arteries can damage heart muscle. Valve disease, abnormal rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, and previous heart injury can also contribute. The condition may cause breathlessness, tiredness, a cough, palpitations, or swollen ankles as fluid builds up.

Book a medical review for new or worsening breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance, ankle swelling, or persistent fatigue. Take prescribed medicines consistently and record changes in weight, swelling, breathing, and activity. Limit salt only as advised, avoid smoking, and ask before changing fluid intake or exercise. A chronic disease review can check blood pressure, rhythm, medicines, and tests such as an ECG or echocardiogram.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness at rest, chest pressure, fainting, blue or grey lips, confusion, or a sudden rapid or irregular heartbeat with weakness. Urgent assessment is also needed if symptoms rapidly worsen or you cannot lie flat because breathing becomes difficult.

Ask what is straining your heart, which tests are needed, how to monitor symptoms at home, and which medicines or activities require caution. Discuss blood-pressure targets, palpitations, swelling, sleep, and a clear plan for flare-ups.