Certain illnesses or conditions can damage the heart or make it work too hard, leading to heart failure. These can include:
- Coronary artery disease, or clogged arteries (the most common cause of heart failure)
- A previous heart attack (possibly the “silent” type, meaning you may not have been aware of it)
- High blood pressure, or hypertension
- Heart valve disease or heart valve damage
- Infection of the heart muscle
- Abnormal fast heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation
- Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
- Severe lung disease
- Diabetes
- Anemia
- Overactive or underactive thyroid
Certain lifestyle behaviors can cause heart disease, which can then lead to heart failure. Some of these include:
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Eating foods high in fat and cholesterol
- Not exercising
- Heavy drinking or abusing alcohol
It is important to know what led to your heart failure. This may help your clinician better treat you. If you don’t know the cause, ask your clinician.
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