At Aurora Health Care, we believe the best approach is to avoid or minimize heart failure. That’s why we’re here to help you identify your risks and diagnose and treat heart failure as early as possible.

And if you or a loved one is diagnosed with heart failure, we’re here to help you find answers and offer every available heart failure treatment. We’re constantly developing new ways to manage the condition, from prevention through advanced care, so you and your family can live life to the fullest.

We also emphasize education and prevention, which helps you maximize your well-being. We’ve prepared a booklet about living with heart failure [PDF] to help you learn more about your condition.

The heart of the matter

Find out the early signs and risk factors of heart failure from Dr. Nasir Sulemanjee, who specializes in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, occurs when your heart doesn’t pump blood the way it should. Your body doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood to maintain its normal functions.

To compensate for poorer performance, the failing heart may get bigger, develop extra muscle mass or pump faster. These changes weaken your heart over time, and your health gradually worsens.

Heart failure symptoms

Heart failure develops in stages over time. As the condition progresses, you may experience signs such as:

• Shortness of breath when resting, especially lying down
• Coughing or wheezing when lying down or exercising
• Dizziness or fainting (syncope)
• Feeling tired all the time
• Irregular heartbeat
• Nausea, loss of appetite or a feeling that your stomach is full
• Swelling in your ankles, feet, legs, abdomen and veins in your neck
• Weight gain due to fluid retention
• Confusion or fuzzy thinking

Heart failure risk factors & causes

Anyone can develop heart failure, but it’s more likely if you’re male, over 65, diabetic, or overweight or obese.

The most common cause of heart failure is coronary artery disease. In this condition, arteries that supply blood to your heart become clogged or blocked with a hard buildup called plaque.

Other risk factors and causes of heart failure include:

• Heart disease
• Past heart attack
• Arrhythmia, an abnormal heart rhythm
• Congenital heart disease, which are present at birth
• Heart valve disease or infection
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Certain chemotherapy medications (At Aurora, we customize cancer treatment to protect your heart through our cardio-oncology program.)

Heart failure diagnosis & treatment

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report for outstanding quality for heart failure care, we’re nationally known for our clinical excellence in diagnosing and treating this condition.

Find out about our unmatched expertise in heart failure diagnosis and treatment, that includes the Tendick Center for Advanced Heart Failure Therapies.

With our integrated, team approach, innovation, research and convenient locations, we’ll help you find the answers and care you need to move forward with your life. And if your health keeps you at home, we can provide in-home care and support through skilled nursing, specialized programs and daily telehealth monitoring for your peace of mind.