Heart failure sounds alarming, but it doesn't mean that the heart has stopped completely. It describes what happens when the heart is having trouble pumping enough blood around the body.
Heart failure usually occurs because the heart muscle has become too weak or stiff to work properly.
It can affect the whole heart or just one side, and this means that symptoms can vary, depending on which side is affected. Heart failure is a long-term condition that affects about 800,000 people in the UK.
Symptoms of heart failure can be severe. It can be treated though, allowing you to control the effects of the condition and continue to live a normal life.
Heart failure can be caused by a number of other conditions, such as high blood pressure or a heart attack. It tends to affect people over the age of 65, and is more common in men than women.
Do you have unexpected shortness of breath or swollen ankles?
Follow the NHS Rotherham 4 step plan
Step 1 : Get information
- An introduction to heart failure at NHS Choices
- See what your doctor sees when determining treatment options with the Map of Medicine.
Step 2 : Contact your doctor
Contact your doctor with your concerns. Your doctor will be able to begin investigating your suspected condition and if required advise of treatment or refer you to specialists.
Step 3 : Investigations you may need
- An Echocardiogram
A painless scan of your heart
- An Electrocardiogram (ECG)
A heart monitoring device
- Blood tests
General tests and potentially a special test is taken which can show if you are likely to have heart failure
Step 4 : Treatment
- Medication for heart failure
- Lifestyle changes to keep you well
- Support from services near you
- Information to help you recognise symptoms and know what to do
If you experience chest pain or if you have concerns about your health, seek medical help straight away.
Last reviewed: 04/08/2010
