Heart Failure: What It Means & What You Need to Know

Aishwarya Krishnan, BHSc, MD(c)
Mar 20
4 min read

Updated: Apr 6

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a long-term condition where the heart cannot pump blood as well as it should. This means the body may not get enough oxygen and nutrients [1].

When the heart becomes weak or stiff, blood can build up in other parts of the body. This may cause fluid to collect in the lungs, legs, and feet [2]. Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped working. It means the heart is not pumping as strongly or efficiently as it should [1].

Heart failure is common. In Canada, about 750,000 people live with this condition, and many more are diagnosed each year [3].

With the right treatment and healthy habits, many people with heart failure can live well.

Figure 1. A normal heart pumps blood strongly to the body. In heart failure, the heart becomes weak or stiff and cannot pump as effectively. — **Figure 1.** A normal heart pumps blood strongly to the body. In heart failure, the heart becomes weak or stiff and cannot pump as effectively.

What Causes Heart Failure?

Heart failure often develops when another health problem damages the heart [2].

Common causes include:

Heart attack
High blood pressure
Coronary artery disease (blocked heart arteries)
Heart valve problems
Diabetes
Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy) [2]

These conditions make the heart weaker or stiffer over time.

Common Symptoms

You may notice:

Shortness of breath when walking or lying down
Feeling tired or weak [1]
Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or belly
Sudden weight gain from fluid buildup [2]
Coughing or wheezing
Trouble sleeping flat without extra pillows
Waking up at night feeling short of breath [1]

These symptoms happen because fluid builds up when the heart cannot pump blood well [2].

Who Is at Risk for Heart Failure?

Some people have a higher risk of developing heart failure.

You may be at higher risk if you:

Have high blood pressure
Have had a heart attack
Have diabetes
Smoke
Drink large amounts of alcohol
Are overweight
Have a family history of heart disease
Are older [2]

Healthy lifestyle habits can help lower these risks [4].

How Is Heart Failure Diagnosed?

Doctors use several steps to diagnose heart failure [5-8].

Your doctor may:

Ask about your symptoms and medical history
Listen to your heart and lungs
Check for swelling in your legs or feet
Order blood tests
Do an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) to see how well the heart pump
Do an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check heart rhythm

These tests help doctors understand how well the heart is working.

Treatment Options

Treatment helps the heart work better and reduces symptoms. Many patients take medications, and some may need additional treatments, such as medical devices [6-8].

Self Care & Daily Management

Lifestyle changes can help manage heart failure symptoms.

You can help your heart by:

Taking medications exactly as prescribed
Weighing yourself every day
Limiting salt (sodium) in your diet
Staying physically active
Not smoking
Limiting alcohol
Getting recommended vaccines [2]

Track Your Weight

A sudden weight gain of 2–3 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week may mean fluid is building up [2].

Call your doctor if this happens.

When to Seek Medical Advice

You should seek medical care right away if you or someone you know develops symptoms of heart failure, especially:

Have severe trouble breathing
Have chest pain
Faint or feel like you may pass out
Cough up pink or foamy mucus
Have sudden severe swelling or rapid weight gain

Sources:

American Heart Association. What is heart failure? Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; 2025. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/what-is-heart-failure
Mayo Clinic. Heart failure: symptoms and causes. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2025. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373142
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Heart failure in Canada. Ottawa (ON): Heart and Stroke Foundation; 2024. Available from: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/conditions/heart-failure
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Heart disease risk and prevention. Ottawa (ON): Heart and Stroke Foundation; 2024. Available from: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/risk-and-prevention
American Heart Association. Diagnosing heart failure. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; 2025. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/diagnosing-heart-failure
McDonagh TA, Metra M, Adamo M, Gardner RS, Baumbach A, Böhm M, et al. 2021 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure. Eur Heart J. 2021;42(36):3599-3726.
Elendu C. A comprehensive review of heart failure: etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. Medicine. 2024;103(3):e36895
McDonald M, Virani S, Chan M, Ducharme A, Ezekowitz JA, Giannetti N, et al. CCS/CHFS heart failure guidelines update: defining a new pharmacologic standard of care for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Can J Cardiol. 2021;37(4):531-546
Canadian Cardiovascular Society / Canadian Heart Failure Society. Heart failure medications guide. Ottawa (ON): CCS; 2024. Available from: https://ourhearthub.ca/heart-failure-medications-guide

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Medical Disclaimer: HealthDecoded content is for education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.