Heart failure risk

Heart failure (HF), is a serious and chronic disease in which the heart muscle struggles to pump blood. With heart failure, blood can accumulate and cause fluid buildup within the lungs. Heart failure is usually preceded by another condition that affects the heart, including:
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Coronary artery disease. A buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits is known as a condition called atherosclerosis, making it difficult for blood to reach the heart.
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High blood pressure. When someone has high pressure within the blood vessels, the heart has to pump extra hard to maintain blood circulation. This added stress on the heart causes the chambers to get bigger and weaker with time.
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Type 2 diabetes. Individuals with type 2 diabetes tend to have increased lipid levels in the blood, causing high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
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Metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome occurs when an individual has at least three of the following symptoms: abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.
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Aging. With increased age, the heart stiffens and weakens. Thus, individuals over the age of 65 are at increased risk of heart failure.
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Thyroid problems. A hyperactive thyroid can increase heart rate, thus thickening the heart muscle.
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Other factors. Obesity, smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, radiation, and chemotherapy can all contribute to heart failure.
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Someone’s heart failure risk will consider all these factors and how they may contribute to an individual’s risk of heart failure.