What are the causes of heart failure?

The causes of heart failure are multiple and can be present many years before symptoms develop. Damage to the heart muscle by a heart attack is a common starting point. Other chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart valve disease, diabetes, arterial disease, lung disease and familial causes are the main contributors.

Symptoms and screening test results are not enough to make an accurate diagnosis because of the complexity of the condition and its frequent association with other diseases. More specific tests may be necessary to gain further insight into the patient’s condition and its origins, including chest x-ray, cardiac ultrasound and other cardiac imaging techniques, electrocardiogram (ECG), special blood tests, exercise testing, or cardiac catheterization.

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