Introduction
Heart failure is a term used when the heart needs support to pump blood around the body effectively. It can develop for different reasons, including heart muscle disease, high blood pressure, valve disease, a previous heart attack or, in some cases, a persistent rhythm problem. Understanding the cause is central to choosing the right treatment.
Key points
- Breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance, ankle swelling and unusual tiredness can be important symptoms, but each may have other causes.
- Assessment commonly includes an ECG, blood tests and an echocardiogram to look at the heart’s structure and pumping function.
- Treatment is tailored and can include medicines, lifestyle support, treatment of an underlying cause and sometimes devices or procedures.
Patient note
“The phrase ‘heart failure’ can sound frightening. I explain it plainly: the heart is still working, but it needs the right support and a clear plan.”
Questions about heart failure
What may be causing my symptoms? What does my echocardiogram show? Which treatments aim to relieve symptoms, improve prognosis, manage an arrhythmia or address the underlying cause? Is a device assessment relevant in my circumstances?
FAQ
Can an arrhythmia cause heart failure?
In some people, a fast or irregular rhythm can contribute to reduced heart function. Treating the rhythm may be an important part of the wider plan, alongside treatment for the heart itself.
When should I seek urgent help?
Severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or a sudden major deterioration needs urgent medical assessment. Call 999 for severe breathing difficulty or possible heart attack symptoms.