Heart Failure

Heart failure develops when the heart’s pumping action weakens as the result of diseases that damage the heart, including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Right-side heart failure occurs if the heart can’t pump enough blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen; this type may cause fluid to build up in the feet, ankles, legs, liver, abdomen, and the veins in the neck. Left-side heart failure occurs if the heart can’t pump enough oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Heart failure can occur simultaneously in both sides of the heart.