The most common cause of heart failure is a previous heart attack. When a part of the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen, that area dies and scar tissue forms. The scarring reduces the ability to work efficiently. Heart failure may also be caused by coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart valve disease or damage, congenital heart disease, or infection of the heart muscle. Heart failure occurs more frequently in older men and women and is the most common reason for hospitalization in patients 65 and older.
Survival rates vary, but at least half of patients live five or more years after diagnosis.
There's currently no cure for heart failure. Patients get regular monitoring and are advised to stop smoking, lose weight, reduce salt intake, avoid alcohol, and participate in regular physical activity. Medications may be needed to control underlying diseases, reduce fluid retention, and help the heart work more efficiently. This TNF binds to certain receptor sites on the heart, causing more inflammation and decreasing the ability of the heart to pump. Researchers don't think it will be a cure, but it may improve survival rates.