An information page
Understanding heart failure.
Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively enough to meet the body's needs. It is one of the leading drivers of hospitalization and mortality in Canada — and its prevalence is rising.
What is heart failure?
A chronic condition, not a single event.
Heart failure (HF) develops when the heart muscle is weakened or stiffened by conditions such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, prior heart attacks, valve disease, or cardiomyopathy. Over time, the heart's ability to fill or eject blood declines, producing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, fluid retention, and reduced exercise tolerance.
Heart failure is progressive but manageable. Guideline-directed medical therapy, lifestyle change, and coordinated care can slow progression, reduce hospitalizations, and improve quality of life.
Heart failure in Canada
The next 20 years will reshape the burden of HF.
The prevalence of heart failure in North America is projected to rise sharply, driven by an aging population, longer survival after cardiac events, and rising rates of diabetes and hypertension.
Source: Konstam MA. Circulation. 2012;125:820–827.
The global picture
Cardiovascular disease leads the world in mortality.
Heart disease accounts for nearly 31% of all deaths worldwide, and the burden in low- and middle-income countries continues to grow due to:
- Rapid urbanization
- A shift toward Western-type lifestyles and diets
- Limited access to early diagnosis and chronic-care infrastructure
Learn more
Where to go next.
If you or someone you care for has been diagnosed with heart failure, talk with your care team about guideline-directed therapy and self-management. The following organizations publish trustworthy patient resources: