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. Triggers may go unnoticed A single risk factor may be enough to cause heart failure, but a combination of factors dramatically increases the risk. Your doctor will have ruled out other causes like high blood pressure or diabetes.