What Causes Heart Failure?

The heart may not contract strongly enough, or it may become too stiff to fill normally. Blood can then move less effectively around the body, and fluid may collect in the lungs, legs or abdomen. Long-standing hypertension makes the heart pump against greater resistance. A previous heart attack can leave scarred muscle, while atrial fibrillation may reduce coordinated filling and create an irregular workload. Valve disease, inherited muscle conditions, inflammation and some treatments can also contribute. Heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped; it describes a problem with its pumping or filling function.

Arrange an assessment for breathlessness, ankle swelling, unusual tiredness, reduced exercise tolerance or rapid weight change from fluid. Keep a record of symptoms, medicines and any home blood-pressure readings if available. Do not stop prescribed heart or blood-pressure medicine without advice. A clinician may examine you and arrange blood tests, an electrocardiogram or heart imaging to identify the cause and guide treatment.

Seek emergency help for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, breathlessness at rest, chest pain, fainting, new confusion, blue lips or coughing pink frothy sputum. Rapid swelling with a sudden decline also needs urgent assessment. Sit upright while waiting if breathing is difficult, and follow any emergency plan supplied by your care team.

Which condition may have affected my heart? Is the problem mainly pumping, filling or both? Which changes in breathing, swelling or weight should trigger urgent contact?