What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure is a condition where the heart doesn't pump as effectively as it should. It doesn't mean your heart will stop, but it does mean it can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet your body's needs. This can happen if the heart doesn't squeeze properly or if it doesn't relax properly.
There are Two Types of Heart Failure:
- Systolic Heart Failure: Occurs when the heart muscle is weakened and can't squeeze well.
- Diastolic Heart Failure: Happens when the heart muscle is thickened and can't relax properly, making it difficult for the heart to fill with blood.
In both types, blood can back up into your lungs and other parts of your body, causing congestion. This is often referred to as congestive heart failure. Symptoms can be due to congestion or the weak pumping action of the heart.
Heart Failure Symptoms
The most common symptoms of heart failure include:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue or weakness after any level of activity
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Swollen legs or feet
- Unexplained weight gain
Heart failure is usually progressive. This means your condition—and symptoms—may worsen over time.