Heart Disease: How did I get Heart Failure?

• Coronary artery disease
  • This may cause decreased blood flow to the heart muscle and as a result the heart may not get enough oxygen and nutrients.
• Heart attack
  • When a heart attack occurs, the flow of blood to the heart muscle is stopped and the muscle may be damaged as it gets cut off from its supply of oxygen.
• Scarring
  • A heart attack can also result in a scarred area of the heart that does not function properly.
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Damage from uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Infections, alcohol or drug abuse
  • These may damage the heart muscle and cause a condition known as cardiomyopathy.
• Other chronic conditions
  • These include high blood pressure (hypertension), valve disease, thyroid disease, kidney disease, diabetes or heart defects present at birth can all lead to a weakening of the heart.