Heart Disease: How did I get Heart Failure?
Damage to the heart muscle can lead to heart failure. This damage can be caused by many conditions, including:
- 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.
