Causes
CHF is usually the result of other health problems:
- Coronary artery disease, a condition that causes narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart with blood, can damage and weaken areas of the heart.
- Persistent high blood pressure forces the heart to pump against higher pressure, which causes it to weaken over time. People who have uncontrolled high blood pressure are more than twice as likely to develop CHF as those who don't.
- Heart attack damages the heart muscle. People who have had heart attacks are at five times the average risk of developing CHF.
- Diabetes also increases CHF risk.
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) can cause the heart to pump inefficiently.
- Heart valve disease may have been caused by abnormalities that have been present since birth or have developed over time.
- Heart valve damage may have been caused by rheumatic disease or infection.
- Viral infection of the heart muscle can seriously weaken the heart.
- An enlarged wall between the heart chambers (a genetic condition) may be a cause.
- Certain kidney conditions that increase blood pressure and fluid buildup can increase the risk of CHF by placing more stress on the heart.
In addition, all the risk factors that normally increase the chances of heart disease, such as smoking and obesity, also increase your risk of congestive heart failure.