NHLBI Educational Materials Catalog: Facts About Heart Failure
Facts About Heart Failure
Written for the lay public, this fact sheet explains exactly what heart failure is; the inability to pump blood as a normal heart should. It describes the impact that progressively weaker pumping action can have on the vessels of the heart and other components of the blood circulatory system; and how these conditions can lead to fluid build up and swelling in other body areas. Explains how the heart works, causes of heart failure, stages in its progression, organs that may effected, who is at risk, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, treatments, and more. Contains links to other online resources.