Heart failure
Heart failure
Heart failure is a condition where your heart cannot pump blood around your body as well as it should. It does not mean your heart has stopped working completely, but you may need support to help it work better and to manage your symptoms.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
Heart failure can develop for several reasons. Common causes include:
- a heart attack
- coronary heart disease
- an inherited heart condition (for example, cardiomyopathy)
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- problems with the heart's rhythm or valves
- a viral infection
- damage caused by the immune system (myocarditis)
- congenital heart disease
- amyloidosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and carry out an examination. If heart failure seems likely, you will be referred for further tests.
Tests used to confirm a diagnosis of heart failure may include:
- blood tests to check for signs of a problem with your heart. This may include checking your BNP levels, which rise when the heart is not working well
- a chest X-ray, to check whether there is fluid in your lungs or whether a lung condition is causing your symptoms
- an electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the electrical activity and rhythm of your heart
- an echocardiogram, which checks how well your heart is pumping and how well its valves are working
Treatment
Treating heart failure
If you have heart failure, treatments are available to help you manage your symptoms. This can help to improve your quality of life.
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. The best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances.
The standard medicines for treating heart failure are:
- angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- angiotensin-receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI)
- angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
- beta blockers
- diuretics (water tablets)
- mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs)
For some people with severe heart failure, a heart transplant may be recommended. Your doctor will discuss whether this is an appropriate option for you.
Managing heart failure
Do
- keep as active as possible
- keep a healthy weight
- eat a healthy diet
- limit alcohol intake
- stop smoking
Support
Living with heart failure can bring a lot of uncertainty. Some people might find this difficult.
You can get support in dealing with heart failure from:
- a local support group – ask your GP for advice or search Scotland’s Service Directory
- The British Heart Foundation
- Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland
Further information on heart failure
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