Causes and / or risk factors 

Several diseases can cause heart failure :

  • coronary artery disease whether or not following a myocardial infarction
  • hypertension (high pressure)
  • diabetes
  • heart valve problems
  • diseases of the heart muscle ( cardiomyopathy or myocarditis)
  • excessive consumption of alcohol
  • congenital heart problems (from birth)
Symptoms 

Symptoms of chronic heart failure are as follows:

  • shortness of breath on exertion or at rest
  • orthopnea (difficulty sleeping flat; you need to use a few pillows to sleep comfortably)
  • paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (waking up in the middle of the night at the end of your breath)
  • fatigue, a decrease in their ability to exercise
  • swelling in the lower limbs (edema) or stomach

Symptoms of acute heart failure are as follows:

  • symptoms similar to those listed above, but with rapid and intense progression
  • chest pain if heart failure is caused by an acute heart attack
  • palpitations

Some factors can trigger or worsen symptoms:

  • viral or bacterial infection
  • anemia
  • excessive consumption of liquids or salty foods
  • taking or stopping certain medications
Diagnostic 

After performing a physical examination and submitting the patient to a comprehensive questionnaire, the doctor, if he suspects heart failure , will order some of the following tests:

  • blood samples
  • pulmonary radiography
  • electrocardiogram
  • echocardiogram
  • other tests depending on the suspected cause
Processing 

The treatment for heart failure is primarily drug based. The drugs aim to eliminate the water accumulated in the lungs, legs, etc., to reduce the work required of the heart and, if necessary, to better control the cause (ex: hypertension, diabetes)

In some cases (eg, heart valve problem), heart failure can be treated with surgery or another type of procedure. 

Living with the disease 

 Certain rules of life make it possible to better control heart failure :

  • respect the prescribed liquid limit
  • respect the salt-restricted diet
  • check weight daily
  • take the medications as prescribed and check with your pharmacist that any new medication, even without a prescription, is compatible with the treatment already prescribed