Heart Failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart has trouble pumping blood because it has become weak or stiff. This means the heart does not pump blood efficiently for the body to work well. For some people with heart failure, fluid may back up into the lungs and there may be swelling (edema) in the lower legs. Heart failure is usually a long-term (chronic) condition. It is important for you to take good care of yourself and follow your health care provider 's treatment plan.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by some health problems. Those health problems include:
• High blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension causes the heart muscle to work harder than normal. When pressure in the blood vessels is high, the heart needs to
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CAD is the buildup of cholesterol and fat (plaque) in the arteries of the heart. The blockage in the arteries deprives the heart muscle of oxygen and blood. This can cause chest pain and may lead to a heart attack. High blood pressure can also contribute to CAD.
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction). A heart attack occurs when one or more arteries in the heart become blocked. The loss of oxygen damages the muscle tissue of the heart. When this happens, part of the heart muscle dies. The injured tissue does not contract as well and weakens the heart 's ability to pump blood.
• Abnormal heart valves. When the heart valves do not open and close properly, it can cause heart failure. This makes the heart muscle pump harder to keep the blood flowing.
• Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy or myocarditis). Heart muscle disease is damage to the heart muscle from a variety of causes. These can include drug or alcohol abuse, infections, or unknown causes. These can increase the risk of heart failure.
• Lung disease. Lung disease makes the heart work harder because the lungs do not work properly. This can cause a strain on the heart, leading to its failure.
RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in people
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Diuretics cause the kidneys to remove salt and water from the blood. The extra fluid is removed through urination. This loss of extra fluid lowers the volume of blood the heart pumps.
• Beta blockers. These prevent the heart from beating too fast and improve heart muscle strength.
• Digitalis. This increases the force of the heartbeat.
• Healthy behavior changes include:
• Obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Stopping smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Eating heart-healthy foods.
• Limiting or avoiding alcohol.
• Stopping illicit drug use.
• Physical activity as directed by your health care provider.
• Surgical treatment for heart failure may include:
• A procedure to open blocked arteries, repair damaged heart valves, or remove damaged heart muscle tissue.
• A pacemaker to improve heart muscle function and control certain abnormal heart rhythms.
• An internal cardioverter defibrillator to treat certain serious abnormal heart rhythms.
• A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to assist the pumping ability of the heart.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Medicines
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. Medicines are important in reducing the workload of your heart, slowing the progression of heart failure, and improving your