Heart Failure

❤️ Interactive Visualization The Heart & Circulation — watch a blood cell make the loop Trace a blood cell through all four chambers and both circuits, with a live ECG, chamber pressures, and an exercise mode. Launch → 🍬 Interactive Visualization SGLT2 — watch the kidney spill sugar into the urine Watch the kidney reclaim every gram of glucose — until blood sugar passes the threshold and it spills into the urine, or an SGLT2-inhibitor drug dumps it there on purpose. Launch → 💔 Interactive Visualization How Heart Failure Develops Weaken the pump and watch the ejection fraction fall, fluid back up into the lungs, and the body's own 'fixes' quietly make it worse — then unload it with the right drugs. Launch →

What is Heart Failure?
Causes and Risk Factors
Symptoms of Heart Failure
Diagnosis and Treatment
Prognosis
Research Papers
Connections
Featured Videos

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. This can lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs, legs, and other tissues, causing congestion and swelling.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Coronary artery disease: The most common cause, involving the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries.
High blood pressure: Forces the heart to work harder, which can weaken it over time.
Heart attack: Damages the heart muscle, affecting its pumping ability.
Cardiomyopathy: Disease of the heart muscle from genetic conditions, infections, or alcohol abuse.
Diabetes: Increases the risk of developing heart failure.

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Symptoms of Heart Failure

Common symptoms include:

Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or when lying down
Fatigue and weakness
Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink-tinged mucus
Increased need to urinate at night
Sudden weight gain from fluid retention

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Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnostic Tests

To diagnose heart failure, doctors may use:

Physical examination: To check for signs of fluid retention and listen to the heart.
Blood tests: To check for markers indicating heart failure.
Imaging tests: Such as echocardiograms, X-rays, and MRI to assess heart function.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): To detect irregular heart rhythms.

Treatment Options

Medications: Such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics to manage symptoms and improve heart function.
Lifestyle changes: Including a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and weight management.
Surgery: Such as coronary bypass surgery or heart valve repair for severe cases.
Implantable devices: Pacemakers or defibrillators to help manage heart rhythms.

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Prognosis

The prognosis for heart failure varies based on its severity and the patient’s overall health. While it is a chronic condition, proper management can improve quality of life and longevity.

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