Diseases
heart failure
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Heart failure — sometimes known as congestive heart failure — occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath.
Symptoms
- shortness of breath with activity or when lying down
- fatigue and weakness
- swelling in the legs, ankles and feet
- rapid or irregular heartbeat
- reduced ability to exercise
Causes
- heart failure often develops after other conditions have damaged or weakened the heart. however, heart failure can also occur if the heart becomes too stiff.
- high blood pressure.
- coronary artery disease and heart attack.
Risk factors
- coronary artery disease.
- diabetes.
- heart valve disease.
Diagnosis
- blood tests.
- chest x-ray.
- electrocardiogram (ecg).
- cardiac computerized tomography (ct) scan
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is heart failure?
Heart failure — sometimes known as congestive heart failure — occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath.
What are the symptoms of heart failure?
shortness of breath with activity or when lying down, fatigue and weakness, swelling in the legs, ankles and feet, rapid or irregular heartbeat, reduced ability to exercise
What causes heart failure?
heart failure often develops after other conditions have damaged or weakened the heart. however, heart failure can also occur if the heart becomes too stiff.; high blood pressure.; coronary artery disease and heart attack.
Which medicines are used for heart failure?
bisoprolol, chlorthalidone, dapagliflozin, digoxin, dopamine, empagliflozin, eplerenone, ivabradine, lisinopril, nebivolol, ramipril, sacubitril-valsartan, sodium nitroprusside, valsartan
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