Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood through the body.

Causes

Common causes of heart failure are heart attack and high blood pressure, but there are many other causes.

Symptoms

If your heart muscle is not pumping as efficiently as normal, you may experience:

• shortness of breath
• swelling of the ankles
• weakness
• fatigue.

See your doctor if you have some or all of these symptoms.

If you have been diagnosed with heart failure:

• take your medicine regularly
• weigh yourself each day to check for fluid retention
• use less salt
• limit stress
• consume less alcohol and caffeine
• get some exercise
• rest and get a good night's sleep
• don't smoke
• treat any worsening symptoms promptly.

Exercise

Regular physical activity is recommended for people with chronic heart failure. Each patient has different abilities, so you need to discuss exercise with your doctor.

Activities could include walking, cycling, light weight-lifting, and stretching exercises. You should exercise at a level where you can still hold a normal conversation.