1. Primary Causes:
   • Coronary Artery Disease: Blockages reduce blood flow to heart muscle.
   • Hypertension: Chronic high blood pressure strains the heart.
   • Cardiomyopathy: Damaged heart muscle from infections, alcohol, or genetics.
2. Secondary Triggers:
   • Heart valve disorders, arrhythmias, diabetes, or obesity.
3. Lifestyle Factors:
   • Smoking, sedentary habits, and high-sodium diets (WHO).

Key Insight: Up to 50% of HF cases are preventable through risk factor modification (Lange Textbook of Clinical Pharmacology).

1. Manage Underlying Conditions:
   • Control hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol with medications (BNF).
2. Lifestyle Modifications:
   • Diet: Limit sodium to <2,000 mg/day; adopt the DASH diet.
   • Exercise: 150 minutes/week of moderate activity (e.g., walking).
   • Avoid Toxins: Quit smoking and limit alcohol.
3. Vaccinations:
   • Annual flu and pneumococcal vaccines to prevent infections (WHO).

1. Medications:

• ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril): Reduce afterload and improve survival.
• Beta-Blockers (e.g., Carvedilol): Slow heart rate and lower blood pressure.
• Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide): Relieve fluid overload.
• SGLT2 Inhibitors (e.g., Dapagliflozin): Newer agents shown to reduce HF hospitalizations (BNF).

2. Devices and Surgery:

• Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): Prevents sudden cardiac death.
• Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT): Improves coordination in heart contractions.
• Heart Transplant: For end-stage HF unresponsive to therapy.

3. Monitoring and Follow-Up:

• Regular checks of weight, blood pressure, and kidney function.
• NT-proBNP Blood Tests: Assess HF severity (Lippincott Textbook of Pharmacology).

• Acute Decompensated HF: Requires emergency care.
• Organ Damage: Kidney/liver dysfunction, arrhythmias.
• Cognitive Decline: Linked to reduced cardiac output (Mayo Clinic).

• Daily Weight Checks: A 2–3 lb gain in 24 hours signals fluid retention.
• Patient Education: Recognize worsening symptoms (e.g., increased shortness of breath).
• Support Networks: Join cardiac rehab programs for structured care (WHO).

Heart failure is a serious but manageable condition. Early intervention, adherence to treatment, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve quality of life. Advances in medications like SGLT2 inhibitors offer new hope for reducing hospitalizations.
Key Takeaways:
• Monitor symptoms and report changes promptly.
• Follow a heart-healthy diet and stay active.
• Attend regular medical follow-ups.