Complications of Heart Failure

Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Doctor conversing with patient about heart
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Heart failure symptoms may get worse over time. Sometimes this happens even if you follow your treatment plan.

This is especially true if you are overweight, inactive, or you smoke. If your condition worsens, you are more likely to have heart failure complications. Here is a look at some common complications of heart failure.  

Kidney Damage 

In the early stages of heart failure, the body tries to make up for weakness in the heart. The heart can't pump enough blood to meet all of the body's demands, so it sends blood to the most vital organs—the heart and the brain. This takes blood away from other organs, such as the kidneys. Reduced blood flow to the kidneys can cause kidney damage. 

Heart failure can also cause blood flow from the heart to slow. With less blood flowing out, there's less room for blood to flow in to the heart. As a result, blood returning to the heart backs up in the veins. This causes fluid to build up in the body, a condition called congestive heart failure. It also becomes harder for the kidneys to get rid of sodium and water. This further contributes to fluid buildup.

Anemia

The kidneys produce a hormone called EPO (erythropoietin). EPO triggers the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. If you develop kidney damage from heart failure, you may not be able to make enough EPO. This means fewer red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. If you have anemia, your blood isn't carrying enough oxygen to the body. In turn, this can increase the burden on your heart.

Liver Damage

Congestive heart failure can also lead to liver damage. The buildup of fluid that occurs when the heart loses pumping power also affects the liver. As blood backs up in your veins, your legs and ankles can swell. This is called edema. Fluid can also build up in your digestive tract, belly and liver. Reduced blood flow from the heart and fluid buildup in the body can lead to scarring of the liver. The name for this is cardiac cirrhosis.

Lung Problems 

Congestive heart failure can affect the respiratory system. As blood flow from the heart slows, fluid can accumulate in the lungs. This can make it very hard to breathe. As fluid continues to build up in the lungs, breathing becomes more difficult. This can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. The medical term for this is pulmonary edema. It is a medical emergency because it can be life threatening.

Heart Valve Problems

As the heart struggles to keep up with its workload, it sometimes can adapt to the increased workload. Early on, this may help the heart pump more blood. But over time, heart valve problems can develop. The valves keep blood flowing in the right direction through your heart. If the heart is enlarged, the valves may not work like they should.

Irregular Heartbeat 

Heart failure can lead to heart rhythm problems, called arrhythmias. When the heart is weak or damaged, its right and left sides may not contract at the same time. This interrupts a normal, steady heartbeat. Heart failure can also damage the heart’s electrical system. The electrical signals that control the heartbeat can be delayed or blocked. Some people with heart failure develop very fast and irregular heartbeats. This can be life threatening.

To help prevent complications, first know the hallmark symptoms of heart failure, such as tiring easily, shortness of breath, and swollen legs and ankles. Second, if you have heart failure, it’s critical to keep your doctor appointments, take your medications as prescribed, and practice a heart-healthy lifestyle. Taken together, these practices help reduce the risk of complications, allowing you to better manage the disease.

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Medical Reviewer: William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Last Review Date: 2021 Oct 29
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