Top of the page

Heart Failure Complications

Topic Overview

Even if you are treating your heart failure successfully, you may develop a complication that can be serious and life-threatening. It is important to identify complications of heart failure as soon as possible, because some can be extremely serious conditions. You can discuss your complications with your doctor and learn to take the proper steps to prevent them. The table below outlines the complications of heart failure.

Common complications of heart failure

Complication

What is it?

What problems does it cause?

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

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Rakesh K. Pai, MD - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology

Current as ofDecember 6, 2017

Current as of: December 6, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Rakesh K. Pai, MD - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology