Learn the symptoms of sore throat and strep throat

Your heart is a pump that pushes blood through your body. Sometimes, this pump weakens and isn’t able to keep the blood flowing through your body as well anymore. This is called heart failure, or congestive heart failure. It doesn’t mean your heart has stopped working, but rather that it doesn’t work as well as it used to.

Heart failure can happen when one or both sides of the heart become weaker. Your heart has two upper atria and two lower ventricles. Most people with heart failure have left-sided heart failure.

Never Miss a Beat!

Get Healthy Tips Sent to Your Phone!

Message and data rates may apply. Text the word STOP to opt out and HELP for help. Click here to view the privacy and terms.

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure means that the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. It is often the result of severe coronary artery disease.

Left-sided Heart Failure

The left side of the heart brings oxygen-rich blood from the lungs through the left atrium to the left ventricle, then out into your body. When the left side of your heart is damaged or can’t pump as well, it has to work harder to send blood through your body.

This causes fluid to build up in your body, especially the lungs. That’s why shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms of heart failure.

Systolic vs. Diastolic Heart Failure

With left-sided heart failure, you may have systolic or diastolic failure. Systolic failure happens when the heart doesn’t pump out blood the way it should. Diastolic means the heart doesn’t fill back up with blood as it should.

Take This Quiz to Learn If Your Heart Failure Is Under Control 

Right-sided Heart Failure

The right side of the heart usually becomes weaker in response to failure on the left side. The right side of the heart brings in the circulated blood from the body and sends it to the lungs for oxygen.

When the left side of the heart weakens, the right side of the heart has to work harder to compensate. Again, as the heart muscle loses strength, blood and fluid become backed up in the body. You may experience swelling and trouble catching your breath.

Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, following a healthy diet, and exercising regularly are key to living with heart failure. Depending on the type of heart failure and causes behind it, your doctor may make different recommendations for medication, surgery, or implanted devices.

RELATED: Managing Heart Failure with Healthy Lifestyle

To learn more about heart failure diagnosis and management, visit the UPMC Advanced Heart Failure Center.

About Heart and Vascular Institute

The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute has long been a leader in cardiovascular care, with a rich history in clinical research and innovation. As one of the first heart transplant centers in the country and as the developer of one of the first heart-assist devices, UPMC has contributed to advancing the field of cardiovascular medicine. We strive to provide the most advanced, cutting-edge care for our patients, treating both common and complex conditions. We also offer services that seek to improve the health of our communities, including heart screenings, free clinics, and heart health education. Find an expert near you.