Causes of Heart Failure

Heart failure is usually the end result of another condition that damages or overloads the heart. Treating the cause is a key part of care.

Common causes

• Coronary artery disease and heart attack: damaged heart muscle pumps poorly.
• High blood pressure: years of extra workload thicken and then weaken the heart.
• Heart valve disease: including rheumatic heart disease, which remains an important cause in India.
• Cardiomyopathy: diseases of the heart muscle, some inherited, some linked to alcohol or viral infection.
• Diabetes: raises the risk through artery disease and direct effects on the heart.
• Abnormal heart rhythms: such as long-standing atrial fibrillation or a persistently fast heart rate.
• Congenital heart disease: present from birth.
• Lung disease: severe lung disease and pulmonary hypertension strain the right side of the heart.
• Anaemia, thyroid disease and kidney disease: add stress to the heart.
• Alcohol, drugs and some medicines: heavy alcohol use, cocaine and certain cancer drugs can damage heart muscle.
• Pregnancy-related: peripartum cardiomyopathy.
• Infection: myocarditis after a virus.

What can trigger a flare

Missing medicines, too much salt or fluid, infection, a new rhythm problem, anaemia, NSAID painkillers and untreated high blood pressure can all trigger a sudden worsening.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda attributes heart disease to imbalance of the doshas, poor digestion and stress. This is a traditional framework and is not a proven explanation.

Key point

Finding the cause guides treatment, so tests such as an echocardiogram matter.

Before your appointment

Bring your list of medicines and supplements, recent test reports such as echocardiogram, ECG and kidney tests, and your daily weight and blood pressure log. Note any breathlessness, swelling, night-time symptoms or reduced activity, and how much salt and fluid you take. Ask about warning signs and when to call 112 or 102.