Heart failure is a condition, during which the heart cannot supply the whole organism with sufficient quantities of blood in order for it to perform normally. The condition is the result of inability of the cardiac muscle to contract adequately in order to eject the blood from the left ventricle. The reasons for such an abnormality may consist in disorders of the myocardium (cardiac muscle), aorta, peripheral arteries or cardiac valves.

Myocardium is affected in the following conditions:

• Ischemic heart disease
• Myocarditis
• Cardiomyopathy
• Severe chronic disorders accompanied by expressed intoxication

Disorders of the aorta and arteries:

• Atherosclerosis
• Hypertension primary or secondary
• Diabetes
• Renal disorders which are accompanied by increased arterial pressure
• Valvular heart disease

Any case of vessel constriction obstructs the evacuation of the blood from the left ventricle.

Obstructed blood flow leads to chronic hypoxia of the tissues and organs, which in turn leads to labored breathing or tachycardia during physical exercise or during rest. Oxygen insufficiency leads to change in color of the fingers, feet, lips to blueish-gray. As a result of the decreased blood flow venous congestion may occur, leading to edema and pain on the right side of the chest, due to increased blood quantities in the liver.

The treatment of the disorder includes not only special drugs, but also lifestyle changes:

• Decreased physical exercise
• Restriction of fluid and salt consumption
• In severe cases it may be recommended to follow a strict bed regime