What triggers heart failure?

Common causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. It is more common in people who are 65 years old or older, African Americans, people who are overweight, and people who have had a heart attack. Men have a higher rate of heart failure than women.
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What is the main cause of heart failure?

The most common conditions that can lead to heart failure are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and previous heart attack. If you've been diagnosed with one of these conditions, it's critical that you manage it carefully to help prevent the onset of heart failure.
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What are 4 things that can lead to heart failure?

Risk factors for heart failure include:
  • Coronary artery disease. Narrowed arteries may limit your heart's supply of oxygen-rich blood, resulting in weakened heart muscle.
  • Heart attack. ...
  • Heart valve disease. ...
  • High blood pressure. ...
  • Irregular heartbeats. ...
  • Congenital heart disease. ...
  • Diabetes. ...
  • Some diabetes medications.
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What are the two most common causes of heart failure?

Heart failure has many causes or underlying risk factors. The most common are damage to the heart muscle caused by a heart attack (myocardial infarction) and coronary artery disease. Another common cause of heart failure is high blood pressure (hypertension).
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What are three conditions that can lead to heart failure?

Causes of heart failure

high blood pressure – this can put extra strain on the heart, which over time can lead to heart failure. conditions affecting the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), such as atrial fibrillation. damage or other problems with the heart valves.
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Heart Failure: Causes



Can stress cause heart failure?

Stress can cause a heart attack, sudden cardiac death, heart failure, or arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) in persons who may not even know they have heart disease.
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Can you reverse heart failure?

Although heart failure is a serious condition that progressively gets worse over time, certain cases can be reversed with treatment. Even when the heart muscle is impaired, there are a number of treatments that can relieve symptoms and stop or slow the gradual worsening of the condition.
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Who is most at risk for heart failure?

Heart failure is most common in people over age 65, African-Americans, and women.
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Can you fix heart failure?

Heart failure is a chronic disease needing lifelong management. However, with treatment, signs and symptoms of heart failure can improve, and the heart sometimes becomes stronger. Doctors sometimes can correct heart failure by treating the underlying cause.
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Does heart failure mean death?

Heart failure happens when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to support other organs in your body. Heart failure is a serious condition, but it does not mean that the heart has stopped beating. Although it can be a severe disease, heart failure is not a death sentence, and treatment is now better than ever.
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What age does heart failure usually start?

As you get older, you are more likely to have heart failure — it's the leading cause of hospitalization for people over age 65. But men and women under 65 also are at risk for developing heart failure.
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Can heart failure happen suddenly?

Acute heart failure is a sudden, life-threatening condition that occurs when your heart can no longer do its job. ADHF occurs in people with a history of heart disease. De novo heart failure is due to other medical conditions affecting the heart.
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How can you prevent heart failure?

Good nutrition is important if you want to prevent heart failure. Limit saturated fats, trans fats, extra sugar, and salt in your diet. Instead, go for fruits and veggies, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein. Also choose "good fats" in olive oil, walnuts, avocados, and fish like salmon or tuna.
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What are the warning signs of congestive heart failure?

Some of the signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure include:
  • Shortness of Breath. If your loved one has CHF, they may experience shortness of breath. ...
  • Fatigue. ...
  • Edema (Swelling, in the Feet, Ankles, and Legs) ...
  • Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat) ...
  • Persistent Cough. ...
  • Wheezing. ...
  • Changes in Urination. ...
  • Swelling of the Abdomen.
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How do you detect heart failure?

blood tests – to check whether there's anything in your blood that might indicate heart failure or another illness. an electrocardiogram (ECG) – this records the electrical activity of your heart to check for problems. an echocardiogram – a type of ultrasound scan where sound waves are used to examine your heart.
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What is the life expectancy of someone with heart failure?

Although there have been recent improvements in congestive heart failure treatment, researchers say the prognosis for people with the disease is still bleak, with about 50% having an average life expectancy of less than five years. For those with advanced forms of heart failure, nearly 90% die within one year.
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Can a heart recover from heart failure?

There is no cure for heart failure. Damage to your heart muscle may improve but will not go away. There are many causes of heart failure. Common causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, high blood pressure and cardiomyopathy.
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What drugs should be avoided in heart failure?

Heart failure medicine dos and don'ts: What to avoid
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). ...
  • Cold and cough medicines with pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. ...
  • Alka-Seltzer® – this has too much sodium (salt).
  • Calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem (Cardizem) or verapamil (Calan, Verelan).
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What foods should be avoided with congestive heart failure?

5 Foods to Avoid When You Have Heart Failure
  • Salt (Sodium) When you have heart failure, you absolutely must avoid salt. ...
  • Potato Chips. Potato chips represent a classic “worst food” for people with heart failure because they're high in both fat and sodium. ...
  • Wine. ...
  • White Bread. ...
  • Water.
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Should a person with heart failure exercise?

Regular exercise has many benefits for patients with heart failure. A regular activity program will help: Reduce heart disease risk factors and the chance of having future heart problems. Strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system.
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Is heart failure hereditary?

Congestive heart failure can be passed on from generation to generation. Several hereditary factors put people at higher risk if their family members have congestive heart failure, such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and complications from diabetes.
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Is heart failure painful?

Patients with HF commonly experience pain in any part of their body. The pain is an important and frequent symptom, particularly during the time of exacerbation and hospitalization.
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Is heart failure permanent?

Heart failure is a serious condition, and usually there's no cure. But many people with heart failure lead a full, enjoyable life when the condition is managed with heart failure medications and healthy lifestyle changes. It's also helpful to have the support of family and friends who understand your condition.
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Can anxiety damage your heart?

The Effect of Anxiety on the Heart

Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) – In serious cases, can interfere with normal heart function and increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Increased blood pressure – If chronic, can lead to coronary disease, weakening of the heart muscle, and heart failure.
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How do you calm down your heart?

How to lower the heart rate
  1. practicing deep or guided breathing techniques, such as box breathing.
  2. relaxing and trying to remain calm.
  3. going for a walk, ideally away from an urban environment.
  4. taking a warm, relaxing bath or shower.
  5. practicing stretching and relaxation exercises, such as yoga.
  6. performing vagal maneuvers.
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