Heart Failure
Heart Failure is the inability of the heart to pump enough blood "forward" to the rest of the body. This usually occurs because the heart is weaker than normal.
When someone with heart failure increases his or her activity (e.g., walking or emotional stress), the heart cannot pump enough oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the rest of the body. This leads to symptoms of fatigue and shortness of breath.
In some cases, the condition is reversible, but if not, there are many medications and lifestyle modifications that your Doctor can help you with to improve the workload on your heart. This can lead to a decrease in symptoms and an increase in exertional capability.
Some examples of common causes:
- Coronary artery disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- High blood pressure
- Valvular heart disease
- Excessive alcohol
Possible symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of legs or abdomen
- Fatigue
- Chest pain/discomfort
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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This site provides materials for information and education only. It is not to be considered medical advice. LVCA encourages you to see your physician for any of the health issues discussed here. The field of medicine changes on a regular basis, therefore we do not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided on this site, nor do we guarantee that the information represents the most currently accepted standards.
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