Heart Failure

What is heart failure?

Heart failure is when your heart does not pump as well. It could be because your heart is weak or it becomes stiff.

Weaken Heart

Narrowed arteries make your heart work harder which eventually can weaken it.

Healthy Heart

This heart is perfectly fine.

Stiff Heart

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause the walls to become thick and stiff.

What are possible causes?
  • Coronary artery disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep apnea
  • Heart attack
  • Obesity
What are some symptoms?
  • Persistant coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of appetite
  • Confusion
  • Datigue
  • Nausea
  • Edema
What to do?
  • Limit salt
  • May need to restrict fluid
  • Maintain weight or prevent weight gain
  • Consult a doctor or dietitian before making big changes
  1. Wilson S Colucci, MD. Patient education: Heart failure (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/heart-failure-beyond-the-basics?search=patient%20education%20heart%20failure&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1. Updated September 31, 2020. Accessed December 1, 2020.
  2. Causes of Heart Failure. heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/causes-and-risks-for-heart-failure/causes-of-heart-failure. Updated May 31, 2017. Accessed December 9, 2020.
  3. Warning Signs of Heart Failure. heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/warning-signs-of-heart-failure. Updated May 31, 2017. Accessed December 9, 2020.