Heart failure often has more than one cause. The causes include:
- Long-term high blood pressure
- One or more past heart attacks
- A history of coronary artery disease (narrowed or blocked arteries that carry blood to the heart. This usually happens when cholesterol and other materials build up on the artery walls.)
- Heart valve problems that weaken the heart over time. (Heart valves act like doors. They help blood move through the heart in the correct direction.)
- Stenosis (narrowing) of the heart valves. This can block blood flow from one heart chamber to another or out to the body. Blood may then back up inside the heart.
- Regurgitation (leaky heart valves). This means some blood flows backward instead of forward. This causes extra blood to build up in the heart and makes it harder for the heart to pump.
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats). When the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly, it cannot pump enough blood to the body.
- Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle). This can be caused by an infection or certain medications and may lead to heart failure.
- Sleep apnea. This condition causes breathing to stop and start during sleep. It can happen when the throat blocks the airway or when the brain briefly pauses breathing signals. Sleep apnea increases the risk of heart problems. Loud snoring or feeling very tired even after sleeping may be signs. Talk with your healthcare provider if you notice these symptoms.
Heart Failure’s Impact on Other Health Conditions
Heart failure can cause other health problems. It can also make existing health conditions worse.