The heart is a hollow muscle that functions as a pump and supplies the various organs of the body with blood, oxygen and nutrients. In heart failure, the heart muscle does not function as effectively and the pump is weakened.
If the left half of the heart does not pump sufficiently, the blood vessels of the lungs become clogged. This causes fluid to build up in the lungs, which can cause you to become short of breath and develop a tickly cough. If severe shortness of breath (= lack of air, breathlessness or a feeling of pressure in the chest) suddenly occurs, the condition is usually aggravated ('pulmonary oedema' or 'lung water').
If the right half of the heart does not pump sufficiently, fluid accumulation can also occur. In this case, there is mainly fluid accumulation in the abdomen, legs and feet.
Heart failure is possible in both sides of the heart.
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you.
See our brochure here
