Facts about Heart Failure and High Blood Pressure

Heart Failure

Heart Failure is when the heart can't pump enough blood to the body's other organs.  It happens because the heart muscle is damaged or overworked.

Some Causes of Heart Failure

Heart failure can be caused by:

• High blood pressure

• Heart valve disease

• Heart muscle disease

• Heart or blood vessel defects present since birth

• Heart valve infection

• Heart muscle infection

• Clogged arteries

• Past heart attack

A failing heart does not work as well as it should.  People with heart failure can't exert themselves and they become short of breath and tired.

• Symptoms and Treatments of Heart Failure
  The most common signs of heart failure are:

• Swollen legs or ankles

• Difficulty breathing

There may be weight gain when fluid builds up.  Heart failure usually needs a treatment program that includes:

• Rest

• Proper diet

• A change in daily activities

• Medicine

High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force in the blood vessels.  Systolic pressure is the pressure of the blood flow when the heart beats.  Diastolic pressure is the pressure between heart beats.  High blood pressure is a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher over a period of time.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Most of the time, the cause of high blood pressure is unknown.  It usually has no symptoms.  People can have high blood pressure for years and not know it.  It is sometimes called the "silent killer".  High blood pressure makes the heart work harder.  It increase the risk of:

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Kidney failure

• Eye damage

• Heart failure

• Clogged arteries

Lifestyle changes can help control high blood pressure and include:

• Losing weight, if needed

• Reducing salt in your diet

Drug Treatment of Heart Failure and High Blood Pressure

Many medicines are used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure.  Some of the most common types include:

• Diuretics

• Beta-blockers

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

• Angiotensin II receptor blcokers (ARBs)

For more information regarding Heart Failure and High Blood Pressure, contact your physician.

This information is provided as reference material and is based in part on information derived from third parties.  I.U.O.E. Local 132 does not assume any liability for the accuracy or completeness of any third-party material noted on this page.