Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs for oxygen and nutrients. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack, high blood pressure, or a disorder of the heart’s valves.
There are several ways to diagnose heart failure, including a physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests (such as an echocardiogram or CT scan), and stress tests. Your doctor may also ask about your medical history and any symptoms you may be experiencing, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or swollen ankles.
Treatment for heart failure may include medications to improve the function of the heart and help it pump more effectively, lifestyle changes (such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly), and, in some cases, surgery to repair or replace damaged heart tissue.
The epidemiology of heart failure varies depending on the population being studied. In general, it is more common in older adults and in people with certain risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and a history of smoking. It is also more common in men than in women.
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