Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs. It doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working but that it is weaker or stiffer than normal.

Types of Heart Failure

1. Left-sided heart failure
This is the most common type. It occurs when the left side of the heart can’t pump blood efficiently to the rest of the body.

• If the left ventricle can’t contract properly, it’s called systolic heart failure.
• If the heart muscle is stiff and doesn’t fill properly, it’s called diastolic heart failure.

2. Right-sided heart failure
This happens when the right side of the heart can’t pump blood to the lungs effectively. It often results from left-sided failure and leads to fluid buildup in the legs, ankles, and abdomen.

Common Symptoms of Heart Failure

• Shortness of breath (especially during activity or when lying down)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Persistent cough or wheezing
• Weight gain from fluid retention
• Difficulty concentrating or confusion

Causes of Heart Failure

• Coronary artery disease (blocked heart arteries)
• High blood pressure
• Previous heart attack
• Heart valve problems
• Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
• Diabetes
• Certain infections or toxins

Diagnosis
Doctors may use tests like a physical exam, ECG (electrocardiogram), echocardiogram, chest X-ray, blood tests, and stress tests to confirm heart failure.

Treatment Options

• Lifestyle changes: healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting salt
• Medications: to strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure, and reduce fluid buildup
• Devices: such as pacemakers or defibrillators for severe cases
• Surgery: including valve repair or heart transplant in advanced stages