Heart failure occurs when the heart becomes weakened or damaged, preventing it from meeting the body’s normal demands. The heart's ventricles may become stiff, making it difficult to fill between heartbeats, or they may stretch, reducing the heart’s pumping ability. As a result, blood and fluid back up into the lungs, legs, and feet, leading to congestive heart failure.

There are two types of heart failure: left-sided and right-sided. Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left side of the heart can't pump blood properly, causing fluid buildup in the lungs. This pressure can affect the right side, leading to fluid in the abdomen and legs.

Heart failure can develop quickly after a heart attack or gradually from conditions like high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. Faulty heart valves can also contribute, but surgery can often correct this.

While smoking, obesity, and high cholesterol are common causes, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy can also cause heart failure without any clear reason.

The main causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease (due to plaque buildup in arteries) and high blood pressure, which forces the heart to work harder. Managing your weight, exercising, and following your cardiologist’s advice can help prevent heart failure. Learn More: www.bobbybrownbiz.com