Heart failure is the general term used to describe conditions that affect the heart’s ability to pump enough blood to the body or lungs.
Left-sided heart failure describes conditions that affect the left ventricle. This is the strongest chamber of your heart and pumps oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the rest of your body.
- Systolic heart failure occurs when the left ventricle of the heart is weak as the result of a heart attack, coronary artery disease, alcohol use disorder, or other conditions.
- Diastolic heart failure occurs when the left ventricle is stiff and unable to fill properly due to atrial fibrillation (Afib), coronary artery disease, or other conditions that affect cardiac health.
Right-sided heart failure usually occurs because of left-sided heart failure, which can cause blood to back up into the lungs. This puts an increased strain on the right side of the heart, resulting in the loss of pumping power and blood backing up into the body’s veins.
Symptoms
Shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in the lungs is a common symptom of heart failure, which is why it is often referred to as congestive heart failure. This may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Coughing or wheezing
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Swelling of the body
People often think their symptoms are not severe enough to require attention or that they may go away on their own. It is important to understand heart failure symptoms so you can get the care you need in a timely manner. Recognizing symptoms early can help prevent a hospital stay.
If you or someone you know are experiencing a life-threating medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Risk Factors
Heart failure can occur at any age, but it is more common in people as they age. Your risk for heart failure increases dramatically after age 65. Other risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Damaged heart valves or a history of heart murmur
- Enlargement of the heart or a family history of enlarged heart
- Heart defects at birth
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sleep apnea
- Severe lung disease