Heart Failure |
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Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can’t
pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. In some cases, the heart
can’t fill with enough blood. In other cases, the heart can’t pump
blood to the rest of the body with enough force. Some people have both
problems. The term "heart failure" doesn't mean that your
heart has stopped or is about to stop working. However, heart failure
is a serious condition that requires medical care. |
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Overview |
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Heart failure develops over time as the heart’s pumping
action grows weaker. The condition can affect the right side of
the heart only, or it can affect both sides of the heart. Most
cases involve both sides of the heart. |
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Right-side heart failure occurs if the heart
can’t pump enough blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen. |
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Left-side heart failure occurs if the heart can’t pump enough
oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. |
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Right-side heart failure may cause fluid to build up in the
feet, ankles, legs, liver, abdomen, and the veins in the neck.
Right-side and left-side heart failure also may cause shortness
of breath and fatigue (tiredness). |
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Causes of Heart Failure |
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The leading causes of heart failure are diseases that
damage the heart. These include: |
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Outlook |
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Heart failure is a very common condition. About two million
people in England suffer from one form of heart failure or another.
It results in about 70,000 deaths and over 100,000
people suffering a heart attack every year. Both children and adults
can have heart failure, although the symptoms and treatments differ.
Currently, heart failure
has no cure. However, treatments—such as medicines and lifestyle changes—can
help people live longer and more active lives. Researchers continue
to study new ways to treat heart failure and its complications. |
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Peter Scott - Team Leader
