Types of Heart Failure

Types of Heart Failure

The different types of heart failure each have their own causes and symptoms. They can develop when other health conditions damage the heart or cause it to work harder than it should. Other conditions that can cause heart failure include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.

Left-sided heart failure (also called systolic heart failure) happens when the left pumping chamber, or ventricle, of the heart can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet your body's needs. This is usually because the muscle in the heart isn't squeezing with enough force, or it is too thick or stiff to relax and fill between beats.

Right-sided heart failure (also called diastolic heart failure) is when the right pumping chamber, or ventricle, can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood into the lungs to help your body get oxygen. This is usually because the muscle in the right side of your heart isn't squeezing or it is too thick or stiff to relax between beats.

dementia tracker gps tracker for alzheimer patients Decompensated heart failure is a stage of heart failure that gets worse over time. personal medical alarm It may involve weight gain, swelling or edema in your legs or abdomen, nausea, and shortness of breath while lying down.

Your doctor will check for these signs and symptoms by asking you questions about your health history. They may also do some tests.

They will use these tests to find out if you have one of the types of heart failure and how severe it is. If you have one of these types of heart failure, they will talk to you about treatment options.