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What causes heart failure?

Any problem that makes your heart weak or stiff can cause heart failure. Common examples of such problems are:
Other problems that can cause heart failure are an irregular heart rhythm, low number of red blood cells (anemia), thyroid gland problems, and heart muscle infections.
Most disorders cause heart failure only after many years. However, some disorders, such as a major heart attack, can cause heart failure quickly.

Often, a person’s heart failure has more than one cause.

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Pathophysiology of heart failure

Pathophysiology of heart failure In heart failure, the heart may not provide tissues with adequate blood for metabolic needs, and cardiac-related elevation of pulmonary or systemic venous pressures may result in organ congestion. This condition can result from abnormalities of systolic or diastolic function or, commonly, both. Although a primary abnormality can be a change in cardiomyocyte function, there are also changes in collagen turnover of the extracellular matrix. Cardiac structural defects (eg, congenital defects, valvular disorders), rhythm abnormalities (including persistently high heart rate), and high metabolic demands (eg, due to thyrotoxicosis) also can cause HF.

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

eeling like you can’t catch your breath, which worsens when you lie flat Feeling tired all over Swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs Symptoms usually develop slowly. At first you may feel out of breath only when you climb stairs and notice only a little leg swelling at the end of the day. Later, you may feel out of breath or tired when you do ordinary activities. When heart failure is severe, you may be out of breath even sitting in a chair and have a lot of leg swelling all the time. Heart failure can shorten your life, especially when it's severe. Treatment can help you live longer.