Other terms
- Helical Computed Tomography (Helical CT)
- Heloma (Corn)
- Hemangioma
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
- Hepatology
- Herpes Simplex
- Herpes Zoster
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- High-Dose Radiation Therapy (HDR)
- Hirsutism
- Histopathology
Heart Failure (HF)
What is Heart Failure? Heart failure (HF) is a chronic cardiovascular condition in which the heart muscle becomes weakened and unable to pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body’s demands for oxygen. It is estimated to affect approximately 1.8% of the US population, and the prevalence of the disease is projected to grow with the aging population.
What Causes Heart Failure?
Heart failure may be caused by several etiologies as it is a manifestation of end-stage heart disease where the heart tissue has been damaged beyond which it is able to compensate appropriately.
Causes of HF include
- Coronary heart disease
- Hypertension
- Valvular heart disease
- Genetic cardiomyopathies
- Infiltrative heart diseases
- Myocarditis
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Cardiotoxic side effects from medications
- Substance abuse
Risk factors for developing HF include:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Older age
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of multigenerational heart failure
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure
- Dyspnea on exertion or while lying down
- Fatigue
- Edema of the lower limbs
- Tachycardia
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness
Source: Roger, V. L. (2021). Epidemiology of Heart Failure. Circulation Research, 128(10), 1421–1434. https://doi.org/10.1161/circresaha.121.318172
