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Heart Failure
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Receiving a heart failure diagnosis can be overwhelming, but understanding it can help you take control and may help slow the progression of your heart failure.

Learn About Heart Failure, Heart Failure Symptoms and Treatments Beyond Medicine

Heart Failure Education, Management & Empowerment. Start Here.

Heart failure is a progressive condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively through the body. This inefficient pumping can lead to many serious symptoms that impact quality of life and can even cause death. 

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing the progression of heart failure, improving your quality of life and slowing progression. 

Heart Failure affects nearly 7 million adults in the US alone1

Heart Failure affects 6 million adults in the US alone

Heart Failure is the leading cause of hospitalizations in Americans 65 and older1

Heart Failure is the leading cause of hospitalizations in Americans 65 and older

Over 400,000 people die each year in the US from Heart Failure2

Almost 400,000 people die each year in the US from Heart Failure
   

Download the Heart Failure Discussion Guide

Prepare for your visit with your doctor using the discussion guide below to help keep you and your doctor more informed about you and your heart failure.

Download
Download the Heart Failure Discussion Guide

What is Heart Failure?

Watch now as a healthcare professional covers the topic of heart failure. Heart failure is a critical condition, often without obvious symptoms until it has progressed. Learn about the causes of heart failure, how to recognize the symptoms, and available heart failure treatments to help manage, slow progression and improve life with heart failure.  

Overview of Heart Failure Causes & Symptoms

Heart failure can stem from various conditions that either weaken or strain the heart. Common causes which may lead to heart failure include:

  • Coronary artery disease: Restricted blood flow due to narrowed arteries.
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure): Puts extra pressure on the heart, leading to eventual weakening.
  • Past heart attacks: These can impair the heart muscle’s ability to pump effectively.
  • Diabetes: Can cause damage to the blood vessels and the heart over time.
  • Valve disorders: Faulty heart valves force the heart to work harder than normal.
  • Chronic kidney disease: Can overload the heart due to excess fluid retention.

Symptoms often include chronic fatigue, difficulty breathing (especially during physical activity or while lying flat) and swelling in the lower extremities. These signs may appear gradually, making early detection essential for proper treatment and management. Being aware of the causes can help in taking proactive measures to protect heart health.

These materials are not intended to replace your doctor's advice or information. For any questions or concerns you may have regarding the medical procedures, devices and/or your personal health, please discuss these with your physicians.

 

References

  1. Bozkurt, B, Ahmad, T, Alexander, KM, et al. Heart Failure Epidemiology and Outcomes Statistics: A Report of the Heart Failure Society of America. Journal of Cardiac Failure. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cardfail.2023.07.006.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/heart-failure.html. Accessed January 7, 2025. 

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