These connective tissue changes include thinning and weakening of the tissues with breakdown of the fibres, a reduction in elasticity and slowed repair. This contributes to aging changes all over the body, from wrinkles to saggy bellies. But although this can contribute to heart failure it is, on its own, rarely enough to cause any great problems or the development of symptoms. However, it may leave the heart more vulnerable to other insults. High cholesterol levels.
Abnormal heart rhythms.
Abnormal swelling of the heart. Damaged heart valves. Infections of the heart, especially viral infections of the heart muscle. Rare genetic abnormalities of the heart. Side effect of medications.