In heart failure, your heart muscle becomes weak and fails to pump enough blood and oxygen throughout the circulatory system. The heart tries to compensate for reduced blood flow by increasing its size and thickness. However, this compensatory mechanism can backfire and reduce your heart’s ability to contract and relax. As a result, fluid may accumulate in the lungs, tummy, and legs.

Several factors can cause or increase your risk of heart failure, including:

• Coronary heart disease
• Diabetes
• HIV
• Thyroid disorders
• Heart valve disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Cardiomyopathy
• Myocarditis
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Toxins like alcohol and illicit drugs
• Nutritional deficiencies