Heart Failure

Heart failure has many different causes. Sometimes the exact cause cannot be found. The most common causes of heart failure are listed below:

• Coronary artery disease (when the blood supply to the heart is partially or completely blocked); with or without a heart attack in the past
• Problems with the heart muscle itself (cardiomyopathy)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Problems with any of the heart valves
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• The use of toxic substances (such as alcohol or drug abuse)
• Congenital heart disease (a heart problem or defect you were born with)
• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems

people who have heart failure:

• Shortness of breath (perhaps when walking, climbing stairs or being active)
• Shortness of breath when lying down
• Lack of appetite
• Waking up in the night, suddenly breathless
• General tiredness or weakness, including the reduced ability to exercise
• Swelling of the legs, feet or ankles
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Rapid weight gain (1 or 2 pounds a day for 3 days in a row)
• Chronic cough or wheezing
• Nausea

• Diet: Reduce the amount of salt you eat &  eat a diet low in fat and cholesterol
• Alcohol: You will be advised to limit alcohol
• Exercise: Most people with heart failure can still exercise doctor will help and decide how much & what kind of exercise can do
• Weight: need to lose weight
• Family support: Your family can be a big source of support, so involve them when possible
• Other sources of support: Your doctor can give you information about support groups. It sometimes helps to talk with other people who have similar problems