Heart failure occurs when a damaged heart becomes unable to pump blood effectively, depriving the body of oxygen and nutrients.
Types
Heart failure can be either acute (short-term) or chronic.
Function
Heart failure occurs when there is inadequate blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heart failure include fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin color, and edema or swelling due to accumulation of fluid (especially around the ankles.)
Risk Factors
Data from the Framingham Heart Study indicate that hypertension is a very common risk factor for heart failure. Another study of heart failure incidence found that diabetes was the strongest risk factor for women.
Statistics
According to the American Heart Association, approximately 5.7 million Americans experienced in 2006. The estimated cost of heart failure in the United States in 2009 is $37.2 billion.
Prevention/Solution
Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, reducing stress, and exercising regularly may reduce risk of heart failure.
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