These underlying conditions may cause heart failure

Contrary to popular belief, heart failure means the heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently, not that it has stopped working.

But what exactly causes heart failure?

According to the American Heart Association, heart failure often results from other health conditions that have damaged or overworked the heart muscle over time.

“Many people develop heart failure due to one or more underlying issues that place extra strain on the heart,” says Dr. Paul Silverman, a cardiologist at Advocate Health Care. “Ensuring early detection and managing risk factors are important to getting the proper treatment.”

Here are some common conditions that may cause heart failure:

Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease and a leading cause of heart failure. CAD occurs when arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup — a condition called atherosclerosis.

This causes the heart to become weaker and provide inadequate blood flow to the body, which overtime can lead to heart failure. A heart attack, which is caused by a sudden blockage in a coronary artery, can also damage the heart muscle and contribute to heart failure.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms. Left untreated, it forces the heart to pump harder to circulate blood, eventually causing the heart muscle to thicken or stiffen. This condition, known as hypertensive heart disease, is a common contributor to heart failure.

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle itself. Some forms are inherited, while others result from infections, alcohol use, toxins or certain types of chemotherapy.

Sometimes the buildup of abnormal substances caused by amyloid heart disease and other infiltrative cardiomyopathies cause the heart muscle to become stiff and less efficient at pumping blood. This can progress into heart failure, especially if not identified early.

Heart valve problems

The heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. A valve can become damaged or diseased due to conditions like rheumatic fever, infections or age-related changes.

Whether a valve is too narrow (stenosis) or leaks (regurgitation), the heart has to work harder to maintain adequate blood flow. Over time, this additional stress can lead to heart failure.

Arrhythmias and other heart conditions

Abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, can also contribute to heart failure. An abnormally fast heart rate (tachycardia) can prevent the heart from filling with blood properly between beats, while an abnormally slow heart rate (bradycardia) may not provide enough blood flow.

Other heart conditions — such as congenital heart defects or myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) — can also lead to heart failure.

How to help prevent heart failure

While not all causes of heart failure are preventable, many risk factors can be managed with healthy habits and regular medical care.

Dr. Silverman offers these tips to reduce your risk:

• Control blood pressure and cholesterol: Keep both within healthy ranges through diet, exercise, and medication, if needed.
• Don’t ignore diabetes: Managing blood sugar levels is essential to protect your heart.
• Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week to strengthen your heart and improve circulation.
• Eat heart-smart: Choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats, while limiting salt and processed foods.
• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol: Smoking and excessive drinking can damage the heart muscle and blood vessels.
• Know your family history: If heart disease runs in your family, talk to your doctor about early screenings and preventive steps.
• Get regular checkups: Routine doctor’s visits can help catch problems early before they lead to heart failure.

“Prevention is powerful,” Dr. Silverman says. “By taking steps to protect your heart now, you can reduce your risk of heart failure later.”

Want to learn more about your risk for heart disease? Take a free online quiz.