Heart Failure | Community Health

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and heart attack. Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs, and can vary depending on which side of the heart is affected. According to the [[american-heart-association|American Heart Association]], over 6 million people in the United States suffer from heart failure, with the condition being a leading cause of hospitalization and death. The severity of heart failure is typically measured by ejection fraction, which is the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the heart with each beat. Treatment for heart failure often involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery or other interventions. Researchers, such as [[dr-eric-topol|Dr. Eric Topol]], are working to develop new treatments and improve patient outcomes. With the help of organizations like the [[national-institutes-of-health|National Institutes of Health]], the medical community is making progress in understanding and addressing heart failure.