Causes of Heart Failure

Any of the following conditions can damage or weaken your heart and can cause heart failure. Some of these can be present without your knowing it:

•    Coronary artery disease and heart attack. Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of heart failure. Over time, arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle narrow from a buildup of fatty deposits causing some areas of your heart muscle to weak.

•    High blood pressure (hypertension). Blood pressure is the force of blood pumped by your heart through your arteries. If your blood pressure is high, your heart has to work harder causing your heart muscle to become either too stiff or too weak to effectively pump blood.

•    Faulty heart valves. The valves of your heart keep blood flowing in the proper direction through the heart. A damaged valve, forces your heart to work harder to keep blood moving as it should. Faulty heart valves, however, can be fixed or replaced if found in time.

•    Myocarditis. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. It's most commonly caused by a virus and can lead to left-sided heart failure.

•    Abnormal heart rhythms (heart arrhythmias). Abnormal heart rhythms may cause your heart to beat too fast, creating more work for the heart. A slow heartbeat may prevent your heart from getting enough blood out to the body and may also lead to heart failure.

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