Risk factors

A single risk factor may be enough to cause heart failure, but a combination of factors also increases your risk.

Risk factors for heart failure include:

• Coronary artery disease. Narrowed arteries may limit your heart's supply of oxygen-rich blood, resulting in weakened heart muscle.
• Heart attack. A heart attack is a form of coronary artery disease that occurs suddenly. Damage to your heart muscle from a heart attack may mean your heart can no longer pump as well as it should.
• Heart valve disease. Having a heart valve that doesn't work properly raises the risk of heart failure.
• High blood pressure. Your heart works harder than it has to if your blood pressure is high.
• Irregular heartbeats. These abnormal rhythms, especially if they are very frequent and fast, can weaken the heart muscle and cause heart failure.
• Congenital heart disease. Some people who develop heart failure were born with problems that affect the structure or function of their heart.
• Diabetes. Having diabetes increases your risk of high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. Don't stop taking any medications on your own. Ask your doctor whether you should make changes.
• Some diabetes medications. The diabetes drugs rosiglitazone (Avandia) and pioglitazone (Actos) have been found to increase the risk of heart failure in some people. Don't stop taking these medications on your own, though. If you're taking them, ask your doctor if you need to make any changes.
• Certain other medications. Some medications may lead to heart failure or heart problems. They include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); certain anesthesia medications; and certain medications used to treat high blood pressure, cancer, blood conditions, irregular or abnormal heartbeats, nervous system diseases, mental health conditions, lung and urinary problems, inflammatory diseases, and infections.
• Alcohol use. Drinking too much alcohol can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure.
• Sleep apnea. The inability to breathe properly while you sleep results in low blood-oxygen levels and an increased risk of irregular heartbeats. Both of these problems can weaken the heart.
• Smoking or using tobacco. If you smoke, quit. Using tobacco increases your risk of heart disease and heart failure.
• Obesity. People who have obesity have a higher risk of developing heart failure.
• Viruses. Certain viral infections can cause damage to the heart muscle.