Heart failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to maintain blood flow to meet the body's needs.

Common causes of heart failure include coronary artery disease including a previous myocardial infarction (heart attack), high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, infection and cardiomyopathy of an unknown cause. In all forms of heart failure early detection and treatment is critical for the prolongation of life, prevention of acute decompensation and reduction of symptoms.