Some of the common causes and risk factors for CHF are:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD): The buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. ^{5 8}

• High blood pressure (HBP): The force of blood against the walls of the arteries. ^{5 8}

• Diabetes: A condition that affects how the body uses glucose (sugar) for energy. ^{5 8}

• Cardiomyopathy: A group of diseases that affect the heart muscle itself. ^{5 2}

• Heart valve problems: The malfunction of the valves that regulate the flow of blood in and out of the heart. ^{5 2}

• Arrhythmia: An abnormal heart rhythm that can affect the heart's ability to pump blood. ^{5 2}

Other risk factors include age, obesity, smoking, alcohol or drug abuse, and family history. ^{5 8}

CHF can be diagnosed by tests such as:

• Blood tests: To measure the levels of certain substances in the blood, such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), which is a hormone that indicates heart failure. ^{1 2 3 4}

• Chest X-ray: To show the size and shape of the heart and lungs, and to detect any fluid buildup or other abnormalities. ^{1 2 3 4}

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): To record the electrical activity of the heart and to detect any arrhythmia or damage. ^{1 2 3 4}

• Echocardiogram: To use sound waves to create a picture of the heart and to measure its function, structure, and blood flow. ^{1 2 3 4}

• Exercise tests: To monitor the heart's response to physical activity and to assess its capacity and limitations. ^{1 2 3 4}

• CT scan or MRI of the heart: To provide detailed images of the heart and its vessels, and to detect any blockages, inflammation, or scarring. ^{1 2 3 4}

• Coronary angiogram: To inject a dye into the coronary arteries and to use X-rays to see how well the blood flows through them. ^{1 2 3 4}

• Myocardial biopsy: To remove a small piece of heart tissue and to examine it under a microscope for signs of infection, inflammation, or damage. ^{1 2 3 4}

CHF can be treated by methods such as:

• Medications: To help the heart pump better, lower blood pressure, reduce fluid retention, prevent blood clots, and treat the underlying cause of heart failure. ^{1 9}

• Lifestyle changes: To improve the quality of life and prevent further complications, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and salt intake, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and monitoring weight and symptoms. ^{1 9}

• Devices: To assist the heart's function or correct its rhythm, such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), ventricular assist devices (VADs), and artificial hearts. ^{1 9}

• Surgery: To repair or replace damaged or diseased parts of the heart, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair or replacement, septal defect closure, or heart transplant. ^{1 9}