Talk to a Patient Ambassador
Get a firsthand account of what life is like after LVAD by connecting with our HeartMate patient ambassadors.
Heart failure happens when the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Different medical conditions, diseases, accidents, heart attacks, or infections can damage the heart and cause heart failure. Here are some common reasons why heart failure occurs:
Cardiomyopathy changes the heart muscle, making it thicker, bigger, or stiff. These changes make it hard for the heart to pump blood effectively, leading to heart failure symptoms. Cardiomyopathy can result from genetic factors, high blood pressure, infections, or other health issues. For more details on cardiomyopathy and its role in heart failure, please visit our Cardiomyopathy FAQ Page.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of heart failure. It occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart, narrowing them and reducing blood flow and oxygen to the heart. Blocked arteries can weaken the heart muscle and make it hard for the heart to pump efficiently. In severe cases, a blocked artery can cause a heart attack, leading to more damage and worsening heart failure.
A heart attack can cause heart failure by damaging the heart muscle. During a heart attack, a blocked artery stops blood flow to part of the heart, causing that part of the heart muscle to weaken from lack of oxygen. This damage makes it hard for the heart to pump blood well. The remaining healthy heart tissue has to work harder, which can eventually weaken the heart and lead to heart failure.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, puts extra strain on the heart. When blood pressure is high, the heart has to pump harder to move blood throughout the body. Over time, this extra work can make the heart muscle thick and stiff, reducing its ability to pump blood. This ongoing pressure can also damage the arteries and lead to other heart problems, eventually causing heart failure.
Heart valve disease affects how blood flows through the heart, making the heart work harder. When valves are damaged, they might not open or close properly. If a valve is too narrow (stenosis), the heart has to pump harder to push blood through. If a valve leaks (regurgitation), blood flows backward, and the heart has to pump more to keep up. This extra work can weaken the heart and lead to heart failure.
Many other things can cause heart failure. Diabetes can damage the heart and blood vessels. Chronic kidney disease can lead to fluid buildup, straining the heart. Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) can disrupt the heart's pumping. Inflammatory conditions like myocarditis can damage the heart. Lifestyle factors like obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use can also weaken the heart. Congenital heart defects and thyroid diseases can impact heart function, leading to heart failure.
These materials are not intended to replace your doctor’s advice or information. For any questions or concerns you may have regarding the medical procedures, devices and/or your personal health, please discuss these with your physician.
MAT-2413784 v1.0
Stay Connected