What is acute heart failure? Types, symptoms, treatment, and all else you need to know

From the Medical News Today website

Acute heart failure refers to the heart being unable to pump enough blood around the body. It occurs suddenly and can be life threatening.

If a person has heart failure, their heart cannot work effectively to supply blood to the body. This may be because it cannot relax as usual. Heart failure can cause fluid to build up in the lungs. 

A person may notice breathlessness, changes in their heart’s rhythm, and fluid retention, which can lead to swelling in their legs and elsewhere.

The symptoms of acute heart failure either appear suddenly or worsen quickly. The underlying cause may be damage or stiffness in the heart, and the stiffness may have developed over a long period. 

Anyone with symptoms of heart failure needs immediate medical attention. The doctor may recommend taking medication, making certain lifestyle changes, or having surgery. 

This article explores acute heart failure in detail, including its causes, symptoms, and more.