Heart failure

Exercising is difficult for heart failure sufferers

Heart failure does not mean the heart stops, it is simply not pumping blood as it should so the body does not get as much blood and oxygen as it needs.

It is caused by blocked arteries, past heart attack which has done some damage to the heart muscle or heart defects present since birth.

High blood pressure, heart valve or heart muscle disease and infection of the heart or valves are also causes.

Blood backs up in the veins, causing a build up which leads to swelling in the feet, ankles and legs, called edema. Too much fluid can also build up in the lungs causing pulmonary congestion.

The result is shortness of breath, especially when lying down, a feeling of being tired and run-down, swelling in the feet, ankles and legs, weight gain from fluid build up and confusion or an inability to think clearly.

Professor Henry Dargie, professor of cardiology at the University of Glasgow, said: "Heart failure is basically when the heart is failing to do its job properly.

"Though the heart can fail suddenly - a heart attack - that is, technically speaking, acute heart failure.

"What we mean by 'heart failure' is chronic heart failure where as a result of heart disease, the heart is not pumping enough blood around the body to meet its needs."

Swelling

The kidneys receive less blood than they should, leading them to consider there is insufficient blood in the bloodstream and store sodium and salt, leading to swelling in the ankles.

The main cause of heart failure is coronary disease damaging the heart muscle.

Narrowed arteries restrict blood flow, making the heart beat faster, or a heart attack may damage the heart, preventing it functioning properly.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, over a long period may also cause pressure overload which brings on heart failure.

A third cause of the condition is valve disease. But this is now uncommon following dramatic falls in cases of rheumatic fever, which is behind much valve disease.

The quality of life for sufferers is poor and decreases over time - from difficulty exercising at first to problems with simple tasks such as dressing later.

The long-term prognosis for people with heart failure is bad - similar to that of breast and lung cancer patients.

Preventing coronary heart disease by eating better, exercising and not smoking are the most effective ways to counter heart failure. Identifying and controlling high blood pressure is also effective.