Heart Failure Complications

Atrial fibrillation

An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)

• Can make heart failure worse
• Greatly increases risk of stroke
• Can cause palpitations

Ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia

Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

• Syncope (fainting)
• Palpitations
• Sudden death

Kidney failure

Reduced functioning of your kidneys

• Decreased urine output
• Fatigue, poor appetite, lethargy
• Ultimately life-threatening

Anemia

Decreased oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in red blood cells

• Weakness and fatigue
• May raise risk of problems linked to heart failure

Stroke

Your brain is deprived of oxygen because its blood supply has been significantly decreased or cut off.

• Loss of cognitive or motor function
• Can be life-threatening

Heart valve condition

A leaky or tight valve reduces the efficiency of the heart's pumping action.

• Makes heart failure worse
• Can predispose to atrial fibrillation
• May need surgical repair

Cardiac cachexia

Unintentional severe weight loss

• Can require supplemental nutrition
• Can be life-threatening

Leg venous stasis and ulcers

Venous stasis: Your skin thickens and looks shiny or scaly, your hair might also fall out, your skin may also turn brown or reddish.

Ulcers: Injuries to your swollen legs cause fluid to constantly ooze out of cuts in your skin.

• Can predispose to cellulitis, infection of the skin