About five million Americans are battling heart failure, and around 550,000 people are confronted with a new heart failure diagnosis every year. Heart Failure is the most common cause of hospital admission for patients over the age of 65. This condition can emerge from the heart muscle becoming either too weak to pump blood effectively (
systolic dysfunction) or too stiff to fill appropriately (
diastolic dysfunction). Fatigue and shortness of breath are telltale signs of heart failure - the former due to inadequate blood circulation, and the latter due to fluid retention.
The primary culprits leading to heart failure include coronary artery disease, diseases of the heart valves,
high blood pressure, and unexplained weakening of the heart muscle (
idiopathic cardiomyopathy). Advances in medication, such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and beta-blockers, alongside various surgical interventions, have significantly enhanced life quality and outcomes for those living with heart failure.