OverviewHeart failure — sometimes known as congestive heart failure — occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath. Show
Certain heart conditions, such as narrowed arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure, gradually leave the heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump blood properly. Proper treatment can improve the signs and symptoms of heart failure and may help some people live longer. Lifestyle changes — such as losing weight, exercising, reducing salt (sodium) in your diet and managing stress — can improve your quality of life. However, heart failure can be life-threatening. People with heart failure may have severe symptoms, and some may need a heart transplant or a ventricular assist device (VAD). One way to prevent heart failure is to prevent and control conditions that can cause it, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. SymptomsHeart failure can be ongoing (chronic), or it may start suddenly (acute). Heart failure signs and symptoms may include:
When to see a doctorSee your doctor if you think you might be experiencing signs or symptoms of heart failure. Call 911 or emergency medical help if you have any of the following:
Although these signs and symptoms may be due to heart failure, there are many other possible causes, including other life-threatening heart and lung conditions. Don't try to diagnose yourself. Emergency room doctors will try to stabilize your condition and determine if your symptoms are due to heart failure or something else. If you have a diagnosis of heart failure and if any of the symptoms suddenly become worse or you develop a new sign or symptom, it may mean that existing heart failure is getting worse or not responding to treatment. This may also be the case if you gain 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) or more within a few days. Contact your doctor promptly. Sign up for free, and receive heart transplant and heart failure content, plus expertise on heart health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your
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e-mail. CausesHeart failure often develops after other conditions have damaged or weakened the heart. However, heart failure can also occur if the heart becomes too stiff. In heart failure, the main pumping chambers of the heart (the ventricles) may become stiff and not fill properly between beats. In some people, the heart muscle may become damaged and weakened. The ventricles may stretch to the point that the heart can't pump enough blood through the body. Over time, the heart can no longer keep up with the typical demands placed on it to pump blood to the rest of the body. Your doctor can determine how well your heart is pumping by measuring how much blood is pumped out with each beat (ejection fraction). Ejection fraction is used to help classify heart failure and guide treatment. In a healthy heart, the ejection fraction is 50% or higher — meaning that more than half of the blood that fills the ventricle is pumped out with each beat. But heart failure can occur even with a normal ejection fraction. This happens if the heart muscle becomes stiff from conditions such as high blood pressure. Heart failure can involve the left side (left ventricle), right side (right ventricle) or both sides of your heart. Generally, heart failure begins with the left side, specifically the left ventricle — your heart's main pumping chamber.
Any of the following conditions can damage or weaken your heart and can cause heart failure. Some of these can be present without your knowing it:
Causes of sudden (acute) heart failure also include:
Risk factorsA single risk factor may be enough to cause heart failure, but a combination of factors also increases your risk. Risk factors for heart failure include:
ComplicationsComplications of heart failure depend on the severity of heart disease, your overall health and other factors such as your age. Possible complications can include:
PreventionThe key to preventing heart failure is to reduce your risk factors. You can control or eliminate many of the risk factors for heart disease by making healthy lifestyle changes and by taking the medications prescribed by your doctor. Lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent heart failure include:
Dec. 10, 2021 What is acute on chronic heart failure?Acute heart failure can result from an event such as a viral infection or blockage affecting an artery around the heart. Doctors may call this “de novo” acute heart failure. It may instead result from damage in the heart, which may have developed over time. Doctors may call this “acute on chronic” heart failure.
How serious is acute heart failure?Acute heart failure is a sudden, life-threatening condition in which the heart is unable to do its job. The heart is still beating, but it cannot deliver enough oxygen to meet the body's needs. This condition requires emergency medical care.
How long can you live with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction?A 2017 study found that all people hospitalized with heart failure survived for a median of 2.1 years. Roughly 75 percent of people hospitalized with HFpEF in this study passed away within five years. Cardiovascular and HF readmission rates were higher in those with HFrEF than those with HFpEF.
What is heart failure with ejection fraction?Ejection fraction is an indicator of heart strength. It measures the amount of oxygen-rich blood pumped out to the body with each heartbeat. A low ejection fraction is typically a sign of heart failure. With treatments and self-care, it's possible to raise your ejection fraction back into normal range.
How is chronic heart failure different from acute heart failure?Acute heart failure has a sudden onset and symptoms can appear without warning. In chronic heart failure, that difficulty is ongoing and long-term.
Can you live a long life with a low ejection fraction?Conclusion: Three year survival is low when ejection fraction is very low. However, once the ejection fraction is < or =20% ejection fraction is no longer a predictor of mortality.
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