What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a progressive disease in which the muscles of the heart weaken and become enlarged. As a result the heart slowly looses the ability to pump blood effectively.

Is Heart Failure the same as Heart Attack?

No, heart failure is a disease where muscles of the heart loose their contractility, whereas heart attack is caused due to blockage of arteries that supply blood to the heart.

What causes Heart Failure?

The common causes of heart failure include

1. Coronary Artery Disease
2. Previous Heart Attack
3. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
4. Cardiomyopathy
5. Heart Muscle Disease

What are the symptoms of Heart Failure?

1. Shortness of breath
2. Fatigue and tiredness
3. Heart palpitations
4. Chest congestion or pain
5. Sudden weight gain
6. Ankle swelling
7. Loss of appetite
8. Dizziness
9. Dry cough

How do you treat Heart Failure?

1. Lifestyle modifications
2. Medications
3. Device Implantation (Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy)
4. Heart Transplant

What happens if you do not treat Heart Failure?

If such a condition is not addressed, it progresses and worsens with time. Such a patient also has a high chance of dying suddenly due to Sudden Cardiac Death.