Heart Failure
Also known as: Congestive Heart Failure, CHF
Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs. It does not mean the heart has stopped beating, but rather that it is working less effectively. With advances in treatment, many people with heart failure live active lives, though the condition requires ongoing management.
At a Glance
- Common symptoms
- Shortness of breath during activity or when lying flat, Fatigue and weakness, Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
- Main treatments
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs (or sacubitril/valsartan for HFrEF), Beta-blockers (carvedilol, metoprolol succinate, bisoprolol), Diuretics to reduce fluid overload
- Category
- Cardiovascular · Affects about 6.7 million Americans aged 20 and older
- See a doctor if
- Worsening shortness of breath, especially when lying down
Symptoms
Causes
- Coronary artery disease and prior heart attacks
- High blood pressure causing the heart to work harder
- Cardiomyopathy
- Valvular heart disease
- Myocarditis
- Congenital heart defects
Risk Factors
- Coronary artery disease
- Previous heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol or illicit drug use
Diagnosis
- Echocardiogram to measure ejection fraction
- BNP or NT-proBNP blood tests
- Chest X-ray for heart enlargement and lung fluid
- ECG to detect rhythm and structural abnormalities
- Cardiac MRI for detailed imaging
Treatment
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs (or sacubitril/valsartan for HFrEF)
- Beta-blockers (carvedilol, metoprolol succinate, bisoprolol)
- Diuretics to reduce fluid overload
- SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin)
- Aldosterone antagonists (spironolactone, eplerenone)
- Implantable devices (ICD, CRT) or heart transplant for advanced cases
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure and diabetes
- Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle with regular exercise
- Limit sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg daily
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
When to See a Doctor
- Worsening shortness of breath, especially when lying down
- Sudden weight gain of 2–3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week
- Swelling in your legs or abdomen is increasing
- Chest pain or rapid, irregular heartbeat
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
Related from the Supplement Library
CoQ10 (Ubiquinone)
StrongCompound · Mitochondrial energy production (ATP)
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
StrongFatty Acid · Cardiovascular health (TG reduction, anti-arrhythmic)
Hawthorn Berry
ModerateHerb · Cardiovascular support and protection
Magnesium Glycinate
StrongMineral · Improves sleep quality and onset
These supplements have been studied in relation to Heart Failure. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications.
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