There are three main causes of heart failure:
- coronary artery disease, this occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become clogged by fatty deposits and other materials, this
condition is known as artherosclerosis. This can result in a narrowing of the arteries which slows down the flow of blood to the heart. Some areas
of the heart become weak and are unable to pump efficiently;
- heart attack. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot completely blocks blood flow to an area of the heart muscle. A heart attack results in
the death of heart muscle which in turns greatly reduces the heart's ability to pump blood;
- high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure means that your heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body. If high blood pressure is
allowed to persist then eventually the heart muscle may become too stiff or weak to pump the blood properly.
Other causes of heart failure include:
- faulty heart valves. The four valves in the heart keep the blood flowing in the proper direction through the heart. Damage to one of these valves
means that the heart has to work harder to keep the blood flowing properly. Over time this extra work will mean that the heart becomes weak.
- cardiomyopathy. This occurs when the heart muscles become inflamed. This inflammation can be caused by an infection, alcohol abuse, the toxic effects
of cocaine or some drugs used in chemotherapy.
- Myocarditis which is the inflammation of the heart muscle. It is generally due to infection (either viral or bacterial) and may lead to left-sided heart
failure.
- Congenital heart defects. These are heart defects that were present at birth. If the heart hasn't formed properly then it will have to work harder which may
lead to heart failure.
- Heart arrhythmias. These are abnormal heart rhythms which may cause the heart to beat faster. Over time the heart weakens which leads to heart failure.
Diabetes, severe anaemia, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and emphysema may all contribute to heart failure.
