Disease Information

What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart does not pump as strongly as it should. The heart is weaker than normal and has difficulty pumping blood to the rest of the body. Over time, the weakened heart works harder and harder and adds more stress to the heart muscle walls, causing them to stretch and weaken even more. Fluid that cannot move forward out of the heart into the body backs up into the lungs, arms, legs, feet, abdomen and other parts of the body, causing congestive heart failure.
Unfortunately, the body responds to decreased blood flow by releasing substances (hormones) that cause salt and fluid retention and constriction of blood vessels. Thus, the body responds to congestion the same as it responds to dehydration.

What are some of the symptoms of heart failure?

Symptoms of heart failure vary depending on the condition of your heart. Your body responds to changes in your heart condition and often gives signals when major changes have occurred. You may experience some or all of these symptoms:

• sudden weight gain (2 pounds overnight or 3-4 pounds in 2 days)
• swelling (edema) in your ankles, feet or legs
• swelling or bloating in the abdomen (belly)
• shortness of breath (may occur at rest, and usually worsens with activity)
• difficulty sleeping, especially when lying down
• frequent, dry, hacking cough
• loss of appetite or nausea, tiredness, weakness or confusion
• rapid or irregular heart rate.

What causes heart failure?

Heart failure is caused by many conditions that damage or weaken the heart muscle. Some of the most common causes of heart failure are:

High blood pressure (hypertension) - When blood pressure in the arteries is high, the heart has to pump harder to move blood out of the heart into the rest of the body. If the blood pressure remains high, the heart continues to work hard and becomes weak over time.

Coronary artery disease - Coronary arteries provide blood supply to the heart muscle. Coronary artery disease is a build up of fatty deposits and plaque in the lining of the coronary artery that causes a decrease in blood flow to heart muscle. When a coronary artery suddenly becomes blocked, and blood flow to an area of heart muscle stops, it is called a heart attack. A heart attack can damage heart muscle and cause that area of the heart not to pump.

Cardiomyopathy - Weakness or damage to the heart muscle can be caused by several things, including alcohol, infections, or drugs, but frequently the cause is unknown.

Valve disease - When a heart valve leaks or blocks the normal flow of blood, the heart muscle pumps harder and may result in heart failure.

Congenital heart disease - Heart defects that are present at birth.

Transplant Center