Heart failure
What is heart failure?
Heart failure is serious and results from various heart conditions. Heart failure is characterised by the heart’s inability to pump blood as well as it should be able to. Therefore, blood supply to the rest of the body is inadequate, ultimately resulting in the disruption of major bodily functions. Additionally, blood cannot carry enough oxygen or nutrients to the body and as a result, waste is not properly disposed of and fluid accumulates in some parts of the body. There are two types of heart failure: systolic, when myocardium cannot pump blood and expel it from the heart; and the diastolic, when the muscles of the heart are rigid and do not fill with blood.
What are the symptoms of heart failure?
The symptoms of heart failure vary according to each person. In the initial phase there are usually no symptoms, but if it progresses, the symptoms may worsen. The main symptoms include:
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Coughing and wheezing
- Weight gain
- Swelling in the ankles
- Abdominal swelling
- Loss of appetite
What causes heart failure?
The most common causes of heart failure are coronary heart disease, such as angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. High blood pressure is also another common cause of this disease, as well as excessive alcohol consumption. The following can also result in heart failure:
- Inherited cardiac conditions
- Congenital heart defects
- Arrhythmias
- Thyroid problems
- Drug use
- Diabetes
Can heart failure be prevented?
Heart failure can be prevented by making serious lifestyle changes that will reduce cardiovascular risk factors. These changes include:
- Smoking cessation
- Eating foods low in fat and cholesterol
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Doing regular exercise
- Getting enough sleep and rest
- Reducing your salt intake
What is the treatment?
There is no certain cure for heart failure, and treatment will depend on the severity of your condition. Treatment will aim to increase your lifespan and may include taking medication to reduce clotting, reduce cholesterol levels, improve heart function or to reduce sodium levels in the blood. Surgery may also be needed, such as coronary bypass surgery. It may also be necessary to have a pacemaker or ICD fitted to control heart rhythm. The last stage for treating heart failure would be a heart transplant, but this is only done if all other treatments have failed and there is a viable heart from a donor. A large part of treatment is preventative, by adopting healthy lifestyle changes.


Understanding the four stages of heart failure
By Dr Kare Tang
2022-07-03
Dr Kare Tang, one of our top consultant cardiologists, walks us through the four stages of heart failure and offers us an insight into what a treatment plan might look like if you have received a diagnosis. See more


Echocardiogram: a powerful diagnostic tool for the heart
By Dr Malcolm Burgess
2022-07-02
An echocardiogram (a cardiac ultrasound) is used to assess most types of heart disease. Dr Malcolm Burgess explains when this diagnostic tool is used, the accuracy of results and what next steps might be needed. See more


Heart failure: what is it, and how is it treated?
By Dr Duncan Dymond
2022-07-02
Leading consultant cardiologist, Dr Duncan Dymond explains all about heart failure, including the symptoms to look out for, the causes, and how it can be treated. See more


Heart failure - what happens before and after diagnosis?
By Dr David Brull
2022-07-02
Heart failure is a condition where the heart is not working as it should. How do you recognise the symptoms, when should you see a doctor, and what are the treatment options? See more
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Dr Michael John Van der Watt
CardiologyExpert in:
- Heart murmur
- Angina
- Syncope
- Palpitations
- Heart failure
- Pacemaker
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Dr Rajan Sharma
CardiologyExpert in:
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- Coronary heart disease
- Valvular heart disease
- Heart failure
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Palpitations
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Professor Sanjay Sharma
CardiologyExpert in:
- Sports cardiology
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Sudden death
- Hereditary diseases
- Echocardiogram
- Heart failure
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Dr Andrew Deaner
CardiologyExpert in:
- Pacemaker
- Heart failure
- Valvular heart disease
- Coronary angioplasty
- Palpitations
- Cardiovascular disease
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Dr Alexander Lyon
CardiologyExpert in:
- Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (broken heart syndrome)
- Cardio-oncology
- Heart failure
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
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One Heart Clinic - Cardiology Consulting & Diagnostic Centre
One Heart Clinic - Cardiology Consulting & Diagnostic Centre
68 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7HE
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Lyca Health
Lyca Health
1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf
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Spire Little Aston Hospital
Spire Little Aston Hospital
Little Aston Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3UP
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One Heart Clinic - Cardiology Consulting & Diagnostic Centre
68 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7HE, W1G Marylebone LondonExpert in:
- Arrhythmia
- Cardiology
- Chest pain
- Cardiovascular disease
- Breathlessness
- Palpitations
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Lyca Health
1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, Central LondonExpert in:
- Cardiology
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- Diagnostic Imaging
- Women’s health
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Spire Little Aston Hospital
Little Aston Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3UP, Sutton ColdfieldExpert in:
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