What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart muscle becomes unable to pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs, leading to a backup of fluid in the lungs, legs, and other tissues. It can result from the heart muscle becoming weakened and unable to contract properly, or from the heart becoming stiff and unable to relax and fill with blood adequately between beats. Heart failure typically develops as the end result of other cardiac conditions such as coronary artery disease, long-standing hypertension, or valve disease that have progressively damaged the heart over time. Symptoms often worsen gradually, though acute episodes of decompensation can occur suddenly and require urgent hospital treatment. While heart failure cannot usually be cured, it can be effectively managed with medication and lifestyle changes to control symptoms, slow progression, and extend life expectancy.

What are the main symptoms of Heart Failure?

The most common symptoms include: Shortness of breath especially on exertion or lying flat; fatigue and weakness; swelling in the legs; ankles. Early recognition is key to prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.

Is Heart Failure contagious?

No, Heart Failure is not contagious. It cannot spread through casual contact. However, certain risk factors and genetic predispositions may increase susceptibility.

How is Heart Failure treated?

Treatment options include: Treatment involves medications including ACE inhibitors or ARBs; beta-blockers; diuretics to reduce fluid overload. Treatment should always be guided by a qualified Cardiology specialist. Do not self-medicate.

Can Heart Failure be prevented?

While Heart Failure cannot always be fully prevented, several measures can reduce risk: Managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels; treating coronary artery disease promptly; avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.

When should I see a doctor for Heart Failure?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of Heart Failure. This is a serious condition — go to the emergency room or call 112 if symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening.

All Diseases/Heart Failure

🫀

CardiovascularSevere

Heart Failure

Cardiology · Cardiovascular

Severe

Severity

Common — affects millions of people in India, with rising prevalence linked to increasing rates of hypertension and coronary artery disease

Prevalence

Contagious

Cardiology

Specialist

Find a Specialist View Hospitals

Back to Heart Failure's full page

💊Treatment Options

1Treatment involves medications including ACE inhibitors or ARBs
2beta-blockers
3diuretics to reduce fluid overload
4and newer agents such as SGLT2 inhibitors
5all aimed at reducing symptoms and improving heart function. Lifestyle measures such as salt and fluid restriction
6weight monitoring
7and regular but appropriately paced physical activity are important components of management. Advanced cases may require devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators
8or in severe cases
9heart transplantation.

More About Heart Failure

About the Heart Failure Warning Signs of Heart Failure Common Symptoms of Heart Failure Causes & Risk Factors of Heart Failure How Doctors Diagnose Heart Failure Heart Failure Prevention Heart Failure Progression Heart Failure Treatment Cost Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Failure Ask a Question About Heart Failure Conditions Related to Heart Failure

Why Lab Dekho?

✅500+ verified specialists
🏥200+ partner hospitals across India
💰Best price guarantee on all services
🔒Insurance & cashless assistance
📞24/7 medical helpline support

Book a Specialist Consultation

Talk to a Cardiology expert today

Find Cardiology Doctors Browse Hospitals Book Lab Tests

Quick Cost Estimate

Consultation₹300 – ₹5,000

Diagnostics₹500 – ₹25,000

Hospitalisation₹5K – ₹1 lakh

Get a Treatment Plan

Cardiology Specialists Available

Consult online · Avg wait 15 min

Heart Failure in Top Cities

Heart Failure in New Delhi Heart Failure in Mumbai Heart Failure in Bengaluru Heart Failure in Pune Heart Failure in Hyderabad Heart Failure in Chennai Heart Failure in Kolkata Heart Failure in Gurugram Heart Failure in Noida Heart Failure in Ahmedabad Heart Failure in Jaipur Heart Failure in Lucknow Heart Failure in Chandigarh Heart Failure in Indore