Heart is vital organ which function as pumping oxygenated blood to body, maintaining blood circulation, electrical conduction, and cardiac cycle. In case of heart failure, heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to fulfill body needs. Heart does not stop functioning, but it becomes weak or loose elasticity to function normally.
There are two main types of heart failure.
- Systolic Heart Failure
- Diastolic Heart Failure
In systolic heart failure, heart muscle fails to contract enough to pump sufficient blood.
In diastolic heart failure, heart muscle becomes rigid, loose elasticity, so not enough pumping of blood.
Common Causes of Heart Failure
- Other heart disorders like coronary artery disease which leads to narrowing of arteries and decreased blood flow to heart.
- High blood pressure, in high blood pressure, heart work harder that lead to weakening or thickening of heart.
- Diabetes, as diabetes is cause of coronary artery disease and increased blood pressure , so diabetic patients are more prawn to cardiac failure
- Heart valve disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Rheumatic Heart Disease
Symptoms of Heart Failure
- Swelling in legs, ankles, or abdomen (Oedema)
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and weakness