Risk factors for heart failure

Heart failure develops when the heart cannot pump or fill effectively enough for the body's needs. Long-standing high blood pressure can make the heart work harder and become stiff or weakened. A previous heart attack or other damage to heart muscle can reduce its pumping strength. Conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease can affect blood vessels and fluid balance. Atrial fibrillation and other rhythm problems may make the heartbeat less efficient.

Having a risk factor does not mean that you have heart failure. Risk can also reflect several factors acting together, including smoking, limited physical activity, excess alcohol, sleep-related breathing problems and a family history of heart muscle disease. Symptoms that can occur with heart failure include breathlessness, a persistent cough, fatigue, palpitations or swollen ankles.

Arrange regular reviews if you have hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease or a known heart rhythm problem. Taking prescribed medicines consistently, checking blood pressure as advised, avoiding smoking and staying active within your clinician's guidance can protect heart health. Keeping a record of new breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance, ankle swelling or rapid changes in how you feel can help a clinician assess the pattern.

A chronic disease review can bring together blood pressure checks, medication review and assessment of related conditions. Do not stop a heart or blood-pressure medicine without medical advice, because abrupt changes can worsen symptoms or alter your rhythm.

Contact a clinician promptly if breathlessness is new or worsening, you are becoming unusually tired, your ankles are swelling, or you notice repeated palpitations. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pressure, fainting, confusion, or blue or grey lips. These warning signs need urgent assessment regardless of whether you already know about a heart-failure risk factor.

Ask which of your conditions or medicines affect heart-failure risk, whether your blood pressure and kidney function need review, and which symptoms should prompt an urgent call. You can also ask what level of activity is suitable and whether a chronic disease review would help coordinate your care.