What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump blood as well as it should, meaning the body may not get enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly.

In some cases, the heart becomes too weak to push blood forward. In others, it becomes stiff and cannot fill with enough blood. Both problems can lead to fluid buildup and symptoms throughout the body.

Common causes and risk factors:

• Heart valve disease
• High blood pressure
• Active infections of the heart valves or heart muscle, such as endocarditis
• A past heart attack
• Coronary artery disease
• Disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
• Heart problems that are present at birth (congenital heart defects)
• Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
• Long-term (chronic) lung disease and pulmonary embolism
• A reaction to medicines such as those used for chemotherapy
• Anemia and too much blood loss
• Thyroid disorders
• Diabetes
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Certain viral infections

Symptoms

Heart failure can develop slowly or happen more suddenly. Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the condition.

Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath during activity or while lying down
• Feeling tired or weak
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen
• Sudden weight gain from fluid retention
• Ongoing cough, sometimes with mucus
• Loss of appetite or nausea

How is it diagnosed?

To diagnose heart failure, your provider will start with a physical exam and review your symptoms and medical history.

You may need tests such as:

• An echocardiogram to see how well your heart pumps
• An electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the heart rhythm
• A chest X-ray to look for fluid in the lungs
• Blood tests to measure heart-related markers
• Advanced imaging, like an MRI, in some cases

These tests help determine how your heart is working and guide your care plan.

How is it treated?

Treatment for heart failure focuses on improving symptoms, slowing progression, and helping you feel better day to day.

Lifestyle changes are often the first step:

• Eating a heart-healthy, low-salt diet
• Staying physically active as recommended
• Managing blood pressure and blood sugar
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol
• Getting enough rest

Medications may include:

• Drugs to relax blood vessels and reduce strain on the heart
• Diuretics to remove excess fluid
• Medications to control heart rate and rhythm

Advanced treatments may be needed if symptoms worsen:

• Procedures to open blocked arteries
• Repair or replacement of heart valves
• Implantable devices like pacemakers or defibrillators
• Mechanical pumps to support heart function
• Heart transplant in severe cases

Heart failure is usually a long-term condition, but many people live well with the right treatment and ongoing care.

Stages of heart failure

In collaboration with the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association has identified four stages of heart failure.

Stage A – At risk for heart failure

Stage A includes people at risk for heart failure but do not yet have any symptoms of structural or functional heart disease.

Risk factors for people in this stage include:

• Hypertension
• Coronary vascular disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Exposure to cardiotoxic agents
• Genetic variants for cardiomyopathy
• Family history of cardiomyopathy

Kettering Health recommends people at risk for heart failure to continue regular check-ups with their primary care provider. If you do not have a current primary care provider, click here to find one near you.

Stage B – Pre-heart failure

Stage B includes people without current or previous symptoms of heart failure but with either structural heart disease, increased filling pressures in the heart, or other risk factors. 

People in Stage B, or pre-heart failure, should continue regular check-ups with a Kettering Health Medical Group Cardiovascular specialist who can monitor your risk factors and symptoms. Click here to find a cardiovascular specialist near you.

Stage C – Symptomatic heart failure

People with current or previous symptoms of heart failure.

Kettering Health recommends people who experience  symptomatic heart failure in Stage C, to see a specialist at one of our Heart Failure Clinics. Our specialists have an interest in caring for patients with heart failure and have completed additional education on how to care for heart failure patients and their unique needs.

Currently, Kettering Health has heart failure specialists caring for patients at Kettering Health Medical Group Heart Failure at Kettering Health Dayton and Kettering Health Medical Group Heart Failure at Years Ahead Kettering.

Stage D – Advanced heart failure

People with heart failure symptoms that interfere with their daily life that leads to multiple hospital stays. 

Kettering Health cares for patients with advanced heart failure at our Kettering Health Advanced Heart Failure at Kettering Health Main Campus. Specialists at our Advanced Heart Failure Clinic have been fellowship-trained in advanced heart failure, which is the highest level of education a physician can receive to care for patients with advanced heart failure.

Learn more about the Kettering Health Heart Failure program.