But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org , the AAFP patient education Web site. Since your blood carries oxygen, your body may not get all of the oxygen it needs.
Heart failure has many different causes.
Sometimes the exact cause can't be found. Often people with heart failure have had a heart attack in the past. Some people with heart failure have few problems or symptoms. An echocardiogram is a test that causes no pain. A probe is moved across the surface of your chest.