At what age does heart failure occur?

Heart failure mainly occurs in older people. It usually first arises after the age of 65 and the risk increases with age. More than 10% of people over the age of 70 have heart failure. Also, heart failure presents a decade earlier in the Indian population. That being said, heart failure can occur at any age. The cases of younger individuals suffering from heart failure in India are high as compared to the world.

Is heart failure more common in men than women?

The condition affects both men and women but it is seen that women, in general, suffer from heart failure later in life as compared to men.

Can I exercise if I have heart failure?

The right amount of exercise is beneficial for people with heart failure. It helps improve the blood flow and also eases some of the symptoms. But do not overdo it. Regular aerobic activity and inspiratory muscle training are recommended after consultation with your doctor.

How can I improve my breathlessness at night?

Elevate your head while sleeping, use pillows for support, and sleep on your side to ease breathing. Limit fluids before bed and follow your doctor’s heart failure management plan.

If a child has heart failure will it make the child prone to high blood pressure in the future?

Some children are born with heart defects (congenital heart disease), which, if untreated, can lead to heart failure. Conditions like coarctation of the aorta cause hypertension, while defects like ventricular septal defect can lead to hypertension.

Heart Failure

Written By Dr. Sakshi SharmaBDS

Reviewed By Dr. Varun Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Last updated on: 03 Feb 2025 | 07:26 PM (IST)

Also known as Congestive heart failure or CHF.

Overview

Many of us think heart failure means the heart has stopped working, but that’s not true. It simply means the heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should. Over time, the heart muscles can weaken or stiffen, making it harder to supply the body with enough blood.

While the risk of suffering from heart failure increases with age, certain factors can put you at risk even at a young age. These include having a high BMI (body mass index), unhealthy choices such as smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, consuming a diet high in saturated and trans fats as well as diseases that damage your heart.

Various treatment options can help in heart failure and many people live active lives. Medications for heart failure aim to manage the symptoms, improve the quality of life as well as increase the lifespan. Medical devices, surgery, or heart transplants are sometimes recommended to help the heart function better.

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Overview

Key Facts

Symptoms

Types

Causes

Risk factors

Diagnosis

Prevention

Specialist to visit

Treatment

Home-care

Complications

Living with

FAQs

References