What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a term that sounds alarming—and it should be taken seriously—but it doesn’t mean the heart has completely stopped working. Instead, it means the heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should, making it harder for the body to get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Whether you're newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one, understanding heart failure is the first step toward managing it.

What Exactly Is Heart Failure?

Heart failure occurs when the heart becomes too weak or too stiff to pump blood efficiently. It can affect one or both sides of the heart and often develops gradually as the heart muscle weakens over time.

There are two main types:

• Left-sided heart failure: This affects the heart’s ability to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body.
• Right-sided heart failure: Often caused by left-sided failure, this leads to fluid buildup in the legs, feet, and      abdomen.

What Causes Heart Failure?

Heart failure often develops after other health conditions have damaged or weakened the heart. Common causes include:

• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Diabetes
• Heart valve disease
• Obesity and lifestyle factors

How Is Heart Failure Treated?

While heart failure is a chronic condition, it can be managed effectively with the right approach. Treatment often includes:

• Lifestyle changes: A low-sodium, heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting      alcohol.
• Medications: To help the heart pump better and reduce symptoms.
• Medical devices: Such as pacemakers or implantable defibrillators.
• Surgical options: In advanced cases, valve repair or even a heart transplant may be considered.