What is the primary cause of heart failure?

The primary cause of heart failure is ischemic heart disease, which results from insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle due to coronary artery disease. This lack of adequate blood supply can lead to damage or dysfunction of the heart muscle, ultimately resulting in heart failure, where the heart cannot pump effectively to meet the body’s needs. Ischemic heart disease encompasses conditions such as heart attacks, which can severely impair the heart’s pumping ability due to damage to the myocardium.

While cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, and arrhythmias can certainly contribute to heart failure, ischemic heart disease is considered the most prevalent cause, especially in the context of coronary artery disease, where it frequently progresses to heart failure as a late-stage complication. By understanding ischemic heart disease as the leading cause, it becomes evident why prompt management of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia is emphasized to prevent the development and progression of heart failure.