Heart failure occurs when the heart can't pump blood the way it should. The heart may not be filling with enough blood or it may not be pumping with enough force or both. Heart failure usually occurs slowly over time as the heart pumps weaker. The most common causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes that gradually damage the heart. Other causes include damage to the heart muscle caused by disease, heart valve disorders, irregular heartbeats, some cancer treatments, thyroid disease, alcohol abuse, illegal drug abuse and HIV.

About 5 million Americans have heart failure. Heart failure causes about 300,000 deaths per year. It is more common in people age 65 and older as age weakens the heart. African Americans are more likely than other races to develop the disease. People who are overweight and who have diabetes are also more likely to develop the disease.

Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the ankles, feet, and legs. These symptoms result from fluid buildup. The usual first signs of heart failure are feeling tired and short of breath after routing physical activity like walking or climbing stairs. Symptoms worsen as the heart grows weaker, causing a tired feeling and shortness of breath from simple activities such as getting dressed. Fluid buildup can cause weight gain, increased urination and a cough that worsens when lying down. This cough results from fluid in the lungs and requires immediate medical attention.

Heart failure can be prevented by taking steps to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and controlling blood pressure and diabetes. These are the usual steps of eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, not smoking, and regular exercise. People with heart failure can live long and productive lives, especially if it is diagnosed early and they follow their treatment plans which will include medications and lifestyle changes. Medications used include diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, medications that lower blood pressure, slow the heart rate, and increase the force of the pumping of the heart. It is important to follow the treatment plan to avoid getting worse—eat a healthy diet and reduce salt intake, take medications as prescribed and avoid alcohol.

Reference: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hf/HF_WhatIs.html.

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