Heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body’s needs.
Despite its name, it does not mean the heart has stopped working, but rather that it has become too weak or too stiff to function properly.
Heart failure can develop gradually over time and often results from other underlying heart or vascular problems that have gone untreated or uncontrolled.
What Is Heart Failure?
The heart is a muscular pump that sends oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.
When it weakens or becomes damaged, it cannot pump as effectively, leading to a buildup of fluid in the lungs, legs, and other tissues. This causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the ankles or feet.
There are two main types of heart failure:
- Left-sided heart failure: The most common type. Occurs when the left ventricle cannot pump enough blood out to the body, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs.
- Right-sided heart failure: Happens when the right ventricle cannot effectively pump blood to the lungs, causing fluid retention in the legs, abdomen, and other tissues.
Heart failure can be mild or severe, temporary or chronic, depending on the underlying cause and how early it is detected.
What Causes Heart Failure?
Heart failure is almost always the result of another condition that damages or overworks the heart.
Over time, the heart muscle becomes weaker or stiffer, making it less able to pump blood effectively.
Common Causes and Contributing Factors
- Coronary artery disease: The leading cause of heart failure. Blocked or narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the heart, weakening the muscle.
- High blood pressure: Forces the heart to work harder to circulate blood, which eventually causes thickening and weakening of the heart walls.
- Heart attack: Damages the heart muscle, reducing its ability to contract properly.
- Atrial fibrillation: Irregular heartbeat that causes inefficient pumping and increased strain on the heart.
- Heart valve disease: When valves do not open or close properly, the heart must work harder to maintain circulation.
- Diabetes: Increases the risk of both coronary artery disease and hypertension, two major causes of heart failure.
- Excessive alcohol or drug use: Weakens the heart muscle over time.
- Obesity: Contributes to high blood pressure, diabetes, and excess strain on the heart.
These factors often work together, which is why comprehensive cardiovascular screening and management are crucial for prevention.
Common Symptoms
Heart failure symptoms may develop slowly or suddenly, depending on the cause. Common warning signs include:
- Shortness of breath during activity or at rest
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in the ankles, legs, or abdomen
- Persistent cough or wheezing
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty lying flat without shortness of breath
Because these symptoms can resemble other conditions, testing is the most reliable way to confirm a diagnosis.
How to Get Tested for Heart Failure
A variety of tests can evaluate heart structure and function to determine whether heart failure is present or developing.
Common Screening and Diagnostic Tests
- Blood pressure measurement: Detects hypertension, one of the most common underlying causes.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Records the heart’s electrical activity to identify irregular rhythms or prior heart damage.
- Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to visualize the heart’s chambers and measure how well it pumps blood (ejection fraction).
- Chest X-ray: Shows fluid buildup in the lungs or an enlarged heart.
- Blood tests: Measure biomarkers such as BNP or NT-proBNP, which rise when the heart is under strain.
- Stress test: Evaluates how the heart performs under physical exertion.
- Coronary calcium or CT scan: Identifies blockages that may contribute to heart damage.
At Atlas Health Screening, our heart health assessments combine these tools to provide a clear picture of cardiovascular function and help identify early warning signs of heart failure.
Take Steps to Protect Your Heart
Heart failure is a serious condition, but it can often be prevented or managed through early detection and lifestyle changes.
Regular screenings, blood pressure management, a balanced diet, and physical activity can all help reduce your risk.
Schedule your heart health screening near you today and take proactive steps toward a stronger, healthier heart.