Heart failure

Need to know

• Symptoms of heart failure icon plus

  Symptoms of heart failure can vary in severity depending on your age, general health and the cause of your heart failure. The most common symptom is breathlessness and general fatigue. You may also have swelling in your lower legs. If you have chronic heart failure, these symptoms may take several weeks to develop, while acute heart failure develops more suddenly. Other symptoms may include:

  • palpitations or feeling your heart is racing
  • dizziness
  • coughing or wheezing

  There are many different causes of heart failure. The most common are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, inherited (genetic) heart muscle problems and valve disease.

• Diagnosis icon plus

  Your consultant will speak to you about your symptoms and any history of heart problems, such as a previous heart attack or longstanding high blood pressure. If they suspect you have heart failure, diagnostic tests may include:

  • an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of your heart
  • an echocardiogram to visualise the chambers of your heart
  • a chest X-ray to see if your heart is enlarged or if there are any related problems with your lungs

  If you're having difficulty breathing, you may also have additional tests to look at your lung function and capacity.

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  Heart failure is a long-term condition that is managed rather than cured. There are, however, a range of treatment options that can improve both your symptoms and prognosis. The condition is classed between stages one to four. Stage one heart failure generally means you don't have any noticeable symptoms, while stage four is the most severe form of heart failure. Treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and any underlying cause. Your GP or consultant will talk to you about your diagnosis and help to determine the best treatment option for you. Medication may help to manage your condition. Eating a balanced diet, reducing your fluid intake, eating less salt and regular exercise can also help to regulate heart failure.