Inside Out - Heart Failure
What is Heart Failure?
Over 6 million people in the United States are living with heart failure, a condition in which the heart doesn’t work as well as it should.
Heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped or will stop working, but it does mean that the heart is too stiff to fill with blood properly or too weak to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs; sometimes both.
Anatomy & Physiology of a Healthy Heart
The heart is a muscular organ, located in the middle of the chest, just slightly behind and to the left of the breastbone. The heart has four chambers that work together as a pump to supply the body with blood, and an electrical conduction system that controls the flow of blood by telling the heart when to relax and when to contract.
Body Impacted by Heart Failure
In heart failure, the heart cannot pump blood as well as it should. Often, this will cause blood to back up into the heart and fluid to build up in the lungs and legs, which can lead to lung congestion, shortness of breath, and swollen legs, feet, and ankles. People with heart failure can also develop a chronic or wheezing cough, fatigue, and an irregular or rapid heartbeat.
 
Dive Deeper
 
Heart failure is most often the result of another medical condition. Explore how coronary artery disease can lead to heart failure.
A Blocked Heart Artery
Understanding Disease Management and Treatment
Heart failure typically worsens over time, and without proper treatment and lifestyle changes, can quickly become life-threatening.
The importance of a healthy diet
Get active to stay healthy
Condition management
Finding the right treatment
Understanding treatment options
Patient Community Encouragement
Mary Ruggeri, Physician Assistant and Educator
David
Talk to others living with heart failure, and learn all you can. Online and in-person support groups and communities can really help.
Mary Ruggeri, Physician Assistant and Educator
Rosaline
I’ve learned to not let my heart failure define me; rather inspire me and other people. If I can tell you one thing, attitude is everything.
Mary Ruggeri, Physician Assistant and Educator
Kylan
Whatever you do, do not give up. Find the right doctor and work together to manage your heart failure. My doctor put me on the right track immediately after diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart failure, you probably have questions about the condition, treatment options, and management. Here are answers to commonly asked questions about heart failure.
What is heart failure?
Heart failure is a medical condition in which the heart does not pump blood around the body as well as it should. This means that your blood can’t deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the body to meet its everyday needs.
What are heart failure symptoms?
Symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
Symptoms can include:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling of legs and feet
  • Coughing
  • Confusion or memory loss
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Feeling tired or fatigued
  • Irregular or rapid heartbeat
How is heart failure diagnosed?
Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms, perform a physical examination, and order tests such as blood tests, chest X-rays, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, stress test, and/or cardiac CT or MRI scans.
What are steps for treating heart failure?
Regular doctor visits are recommended. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms and prescribe medications to treat heart failure symptoms and underlying causes. Sometimes an underlying cause of heart failure (like a blocked artery or heart valve problems) can be corrected with surgery or other procedures. Lifestyle changes are important too, including a low-sodium diet, staying active, and quitting smoking.