2. What is heart failure?
Occurs when the heart
does not pump
effectively.
The muscles of the heart
become weak.
Lack of efficient pumping
causes fluid retention.
3. Did you know?
• One in 9 deaths is
the cause for heart
failure.
• 5 million people in
the United States
have heart failure.
• $30 billion is spent
in healthcare costs
each year.
4. Signs and Symptoms
Shortness of breath
Weight gain
Swelling in the legs and feet
Fluid retained in the
abdomen
Fatigue or weakness
Palpitations (fast heartbeat)
5. Risk Factors
Chronic high blood pressure
Obesity
Smoking
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Previous heart attack
Lack of exercise
Unhealthy diet (high in cholesterol and sodium)
Family history
Diabetes
6. Preventing heart failure
Get regular exercise
Quit smoking
Monitor blood pressure
Regular doctor visits
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a well balanced diet
• Visit www.heart.org or
www.healthypeople.gov for more
information
7. References
American Heart Association. (2016). Warning signs of heart failure. Retrieved from
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartFailure/WarningSignsforHeartFailure/Warning-Signs- of-
Heart-Failure_UCM_002045_Article.jsp#.WDD1zXeZN-U
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Heart failure fact sheet.
Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_heart_failure.htm
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). Heart disease and stroke. Retrieved from
https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/heart-disease-and-stroke
