Heart failure, sometimes referred to as congestive heart failure, is not about the heart stopping. Instead, it describes a condition where the heart can't pump blood effectively. This happens either because the heart muscles are weakened and can't pump strongly, or because the heart muscles are stiff and do not easily fill with blood. This limits the amount of oxygen-rich blood circulating through the body, especially during physical activity.
Understanding the Mechanisms of Heart Failure
The reference states that heart failure occurs under these two primary conditions:
- Weak Pumping Action: The heart struggles to pump sufficient blood out to the body.
- Stiff Heart Muscles: The heart muscles become stiff and cannot easily fill up with blood.
When either of these conditions occur, the heart doesn't effectively distribute oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body, which leads to heart failure symptoms, especially when the person is active or moving around. This can lead to a range of symptoms and complications.
Impact of Heart Failure
The primary consequence of heart failure is reduced blood flow throughout the body, particularly during physical exertion. This can result in:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet
- Difficulty exercising
- Reduced energy levels
Table Summary of Heart Failure
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Issue | Inability of the heart to pump enough blood effectively. |
| Causes | Weak heart muscles OR stiff heart muscles. |
| Primary Effect | Insufficient oxygen-rich blood supply, especially during physical activity. |
| Common Symptoms | Fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling, exercise intolerance. |
In essence, the heart does not pump enough blood to meet the body's needs because it cannot pump effectively due to weakening of the heart muscle or difficulty in filling due to stiff muscles.
