🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 173 (from laksa005)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa173.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.pennmedicine.org/conditions/heart-failure\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.pennmedicine.org/conditions/heart-failure\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/conditions\/heart-failure","crawl_time":1775648813,"first_indexed_time":1749489719,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,pennmedicine!www,\/conditions\/heart-failure s443","src_root_hash":"11763615100892604773","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Heart Failure | Penn Medicine","meta_descriptions":["Several conditions can contribute to heart failure — our specialists provide expert treatment for all of them."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"What is heart failure?\nYour heart is a muscle that works 24\/7 to pump oxygenated blood throughout your body. Some conditions can take a toll on the heart muscle, causing it to weaken or stiffen. When this happens, the heart pumps inefficiently. Heart failure exists when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Conditions that contribute to heart failure include:\nCancer-related heart disease\n: Cancer treatment effectively kills cancer cells, but may also damage other cells in the body, including heart cells.\nCardiac amyloidosis\n: A disorder that causes abnormal protein deposits (amyloids) in the heart muscle\nCardiac arrhythmias\n: Abnormal heart rhythms caused by faulty electrical heart impulses\nCardiomyopathy\n: A disease that leads to the heart muscle becoming stiffened, thickened or enlarged\nCongenital heart disease\n: Heart abnormalities that develop before birth\nConstrictive pericarditis\n: Chronic inflammation of the membrane that covers the heart, which leads to thickening or scarring that prevents full heart expansion during beating\nCoronary artery disease\n: A narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygenated blood\nHeart valve disease\n: A condition that causes one or more of the heart’s four valves to work improperly\nTypes of heart failure\nThere are two types of heart failure, each involving the lower heart chambers (ventricles):\nLeft-sided: Left-sided heart failure can be systolic or diastolic. Systolic heart failure happens when the left ventricle can’t contract enough to force blood out. Diastolic heart failure is when the left ventricle can’t relax and fill fully. Both types of left-sided heart failure result in blood backing up into the lungs.\nRight-sided: When the right ventricle doesn’t pump efficiently, fluid can back up into the abdomen, legs or feet.\nHeart failure symptoms\nHeart failure symptoms can range from mild to severe. In the early stages you may experience flu-like symptoms, including:\nBody aches\nFatigue\nFever or chills\nLoss of appetite\nAs heart failure progresses, you may experience more pronounced symptoms, including:\nBelly pain: You may feel bloated or fuller after eating.\nBreathing disturbance: You may have shortness of breath all the time or with exertion. You might also have a cough when lying down.\nSleep disturbance: You may need to prop yourself up with pillows to prevent coughing.\nSudden weight gain: You may gain up to 2 pounds overnight.\nSwelling: The fluid backup resulting from improper heart pumping can lead to swelling of the legs, ankles or feet (edema).\nDiagnosing heart failure\nPenn’s\ncardiovascular imaging services\n offer the most advanced technologies to help your heart failure specialist make an accurate diagnosis. Specialists use a measurement known as ejection fraction to determine how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each beat. Ejection fraction is measured using:\nEchocardiogram\nMRI\nYour cardiologist may use other tests to make a diagnosis, such as:\nBlood tests, to measure markers for diseases that could affect the heart\nCardiac catheterization, to spot buildup or blockages that might be responsible for your symptoms\nCardiac CT scans, to detect buildup in heart arteries\nElectrocardiogram, to measure your heart’s electrical activity\nExercise test (stress test), to measure how your heart responds to physical exertion\nHeart failure treatment at Penn Medicine\nThere are varying degrees of heart failure. Mild heart failure can be reversible with lifestyle changes or medication. The specialists in\nPenn’s Primary Cardiology\n Program can help you make changes to reverse the progression of heart failure.\nIf your condition worsens, you may need more advanced treatment. Our heart failure specialists offer medical treatments not available elsewhere, including:\nRelated specialties\nView all\nPatient stories","attrs_markdown":"[800-789-7366](tel:8007897366)\n\n[Patient login](https:\/\/secure.mypennmedicine.org\/MyPennMedicine\/)\n\n[![Penn Medicine Home](https:\/\/edge.sitecorecloud.io\/thetrusteesc483-pennmedicine-prod-fab7\/media\/Project\/PennMedicine\/Logos\/pm.svg?iar=0)](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/)\n\n- [Get care](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Get-care)\n- [Find a doctor](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Find-Doctor)\n- Specialties & services\n- Locations\n- For patients & visitors\n- Search\n\n# Heart failure\n[Find a doctor](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Find-Doctor\/Search?condition=0fbe0f86-e1db-419b-a0dc-4c1181b8652a)\n\n[Call 800-789-7366](tel:\/\/+1-800-789-7366)\n\nOverview\n\n- [Heart failure](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Heart-failure)\n- [Diagnosis](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Heart-failure\/Diagnosis)\n- [Treatment](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Heart-failure\/Treatments)\n- [Living with heart failure](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Heart-failure\/Living-with-heart-failure)\n\n- [Heart failure](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Heart-failure)\n- [Diagnosis](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Heart-failure\/Diagnosis)\n- [Treatment](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Heart-failure\/Treatments)\n- [Living with heart failure](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Heart-failure\/Living-with-heart-failure)\n\n## What is heart failure?\nYour heart is a muscle that works 24\/7 to pump oxygenated blood throughout your body. Some conditions can take a toll on the heart muscle, causing it to weaken or stiffen. When this happens, the heart pumps inefficiently. Heart failure exists when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Conditions that contribute to heart failure include:\n\n- [Cancer-related heart disease](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Specialties\/Cardio-oncology): Cancer treatment effectively kills cancer cells, but may also damage other cells in the body, including heart cells.\n- [Cardiac amyloidosis](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/adam-data\/conditions\/2025\/01\/25\/00\/23\/Cardiac-amyloidosis): A disorder that causes abnormal protein deposits (amyloids) in the heart muscle\n- [Cardiac arrhythmias](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Cardiac-arrhythmia): Abnormal heart rhythms caused by faulty electrical heart impulses\n- [Cardiomyopathy](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Cardiomyopathy): A disease that leads to the heart muscle becoming stiffened, thickened or enlarged\n- [Congenital heart disease](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Specialties\/Adult-congenital-heart-disease-center): Heart abnormalities that develop before birth\n- [Constrictive pericarditis](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Pericarditis): Chronic inflammation of the membrane that covers the heart, which leads to thickening or scarring that prevents full heart expansion during beating\n- [Coronary artery disease](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Coronary-artery-disease): A narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygenated blood\n- [Heart valve disease](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Specialties\/Heart-valve-disease-care): A condition that causes one or more of the heart’s four valves to work improperly\n\n## Types of heart failure\nThere are two types of heart failure, each involving the lower heart chambers (ventricles):\n\n- Left-sided: Left-sided heart failure can be systolic or diastolic. Systolic heart failure happens when the left ventricle can’t contract enough to force blood out. Diastolic heart failure is when the left ventricle can’t relax and fill fully. Both types of left-sided heart failure result in blood backing up into the lungs.\n- Right-sided: When the right ventricle doesn’t pump efficiently, fluid can back up into the abdomen, legs or feet.\n\n## Heart failure symptoms\nHeart failure symptoms can range from mild to severe. In the early stages you may experience flu-like symptoms, including:\n\n- Body aches\n- Fatigue\n- Fever or chills\n- Loss of appetite\n\nAs heart failure progresses, you may experience more pronounced symptoms, including:\n\n- Belly pain: You may feel bloated or fuller after eating.\n- Breathing disturbance: You may have shortness of breath all the time or with exertion. You might also have a cough when lying down.\n- Sleep disturbance: You may need to prop yourself up with pillows to prevent coughing.\n- Sudden weight gain: You may gain up to 2 pounds overnight.\n- Swelling: The fluid backup resulting from improper heart pumping can lead to swelling of the legs, ankles or feet (edema).\n\n## Diagnosing heart failure\nPenn’s [cardiovascular imaging services](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Services\/Imaging-radiology\/Cardiothoracic-imaging) offer the most advanced technologies to help your heart failure specialist make an accurate diagnosis. Specialists use a measurement known as ejection fraction to determine how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each beat. Ejection fraction is measured using:\n\n- Echocardiogram\n- MRI\n\nYour cardiologist may use other tests to make a diagnosis, such as:\n\n- Blood tests, to measure markers for diseases that could affect the heart\n- Cardiac catheterization, to spot buildup or blockages that might be responsible for your symptoms\n- Cardiac CT scans, to detect buildup in heart arteries\n- Electrocardiogram, to measure your heart’s electrical activity\n- Exercise test (stress test), to measure how your heart responds to physical exertion\n\n## Heart failure treatment at Penn Medicine\nThere are varying degrees of heart failure. Mild heart failure can be reversible with lifestyle changes or medication. The specialists in [Penn’s Primary Cardiology](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Specialties\/Primary-cardiology) Program can help you make changes to reverse the progression of heart failure.\n\nIf your condition worsens, you may need more advanced treatment. Our heart failure specialists offer medical treatments not available elsewhere, including:\n\n### Implantable Devices\nTreatment options include implantable devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). These devices may offer symptom relief and support to help your heart to pump enough blood.\n\n### Mechanical Circulatory Support\nOur [Mechanical Circulatory Support Program](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Specialties\/Mechanical-circulatory-support) has deep experience using ventricular assist devices (VADs) to support patients with heart failure. Our specialists also use extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to help patients recover from acute heart failure.\n\n### Corrective Surgery\nOur renowned heart surgeons deliver heart failure symptom relief and correct underlying problems that cause heart failure with these procedures:\n\n- [Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Treatments\/Coronary-artery-bypass-graft), to clear the blocked heart arteries that contribute to heart failure\n- [Heart valve disease treatment](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Specialties\/Heart-valve-disease-care) and [minimally invasive heart surgery](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Treatments\/Minimally-invasive-heart-surgery), to repair or replace faulty heart valves\n- [Pericardiectomy](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Treatments\/Pericardiectomy), to remove part or all of a stiffened membrane that surrounds the heart\n- [Septal myectomy](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Treatments\/Septal-myectomy), to reduce the size of the wall (septum) between the ventricles and maximize the size of the heart chambers to improve blood flow\n\n### Heart Transplant Surgery\nPenn is a national leader in [heart transplant surgery](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Treatments\/Heart-transplant) for heart failure that doesn’t respond to medicines or other therapy. We perform more heart transplants per year than all other regional heart transplant centers combined. Learn more about our [Heart Transplant Program](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Specialties\/Transplant\/Heart-transplant).\n\n## Related specialties\n[Cardiothoracic imaging We use the latest cardiothoracic imaging exams to diagnose heart, blood vessel, and lung diseases.](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/services\/imaging-radiology\/cardiothoracic-imaging)\n\n[Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging help us diagnose cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders.](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/services\/imaging-radiology\/nuclear-medicine-imaging)\n\n[Heart failure care Our nationally recognized program specializes in treating every stage and type of heart failure.](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/specialties\/heart-failure-care)\n\n[Interventional cardiology Our cardiologists use a variety of tests to diagnose and evaluate a wide range of heart conditions.](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/specialties\/interventional-cardiology)\n\n[Heart and vascular care Our clinicians, researchers, and educators provide comprehensive, best-in-class heart and vascular care.](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/specialties\/heart-vascular-care)\n\n[Women’s cardiovascular health We specialize in women’s cardiovascular health—diagnosing and treating all heart conditions.](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/specialties\/womens-cardiovascular-health)\n\n[View all](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Specialties\/Search?pageIds=ABA6B99D-4BCC-479E-997C-985495DEF296,B4117508-AE42-4281-846A-83F07910403F,02DF17F8-EBFE-4F55-94F3-067ECB1BCE5F,F5DF8540-BB5E-4BED-9DC1-D53D65330C6B,D7933D43-E584-414E-8960-0B097FE9A305,7BAB1FE6-EF6E-49CE-B205-8940B7AF1BA2,641331EB-D4F0-438E-AF48-B9D5D7EBC5FA,EC192465-EDEE-465C-8A0D-6D22901117D0,4D747B41-1777-4A15-85E9-2FC8FCCAA8E2,ABA6B99D-4BCC-479E-997C-985495DEF296,B4117508-AE42-4281-846A-83F07910403F,02DF17F8-EBFE-4F55-94F3-067ECB1BCE5F,F5DF8540-BB5E-4BED-9DC1-D53D65330C6B,D7933D43-E584-414E-8960-0B097FE9A305,7BAB1FE6-EF6E-49CE-B205-8940B7AF1BA2,641331EB-D4F0-438E-AF48-B9D5D7EBC5FA,EC192465-EDEE-465C-8A0D-6D22901117D0,4D747B41-1777-4A15-85E9-2FC8FCCAA8E2&pageTypeId=C5F8B6B4-CA80-490F-B571-1851F96CDEA0,d2df6dd8-0e76-432a-910a-6628d82c9903,72B1B2DB-A400-43D3-B904-D726962F77B3,a1a3a041-97be-4c7d-8a13-df3c92fff0af)\n\n## Patient stories\n![Father and son undergo aortic repairs a year apart](https:\/\/tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/c2422fedfac84ed785239ee331039a08?v=2d52a4c2)\n\n## Father and son undergo aortic repairs a year apart\nA father and son share a genetic heart condition called bicuspid aortic valve and had successful surgeries at Penn Medicine a year apart.\n\n[Learn More](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/news\/father-and-son-undergo-aortic-repairs)\n\n![Embracing life’s rhythm: Kathleen’s robotic surgery journey](https:\/\/tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/0394df93fd4b4c33af7516db497fd184?v=6ac0cca7&t=16x9)\n\n## Embracing life’s rhythm: Kathleen’s robotic surgery journey\nKathleen Tierney talks about her journey having robotic mitral valve surgery performed at Penn Medicine.\n\n[Learn More](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/news\/embracing-lifes-rhythm-kathleens-robotic-surgery-journey)\n\n![A new way to treat Afib: Pulsed field ablation](https:\/\/tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/fc5e5d25601e480eb9beb0f915d2757b?v=9c0133cf)\n\n## A new way to treat Afib: Pulsed field ablation\nRick Smith chose pulsed field ablation for its precision and faster recovery. One month later, he’s back on the road, grateful for the care he received.\n\n[Learn More](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/news\/a-new-way-to-treat-afib-pulsed-field-ablation)\n\n![ECMO saves recovering cancer survivor from lung failure](https:\/\/tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/4309df508113417da5a31d1493c8001d?v=9959057f)\n\n## ECMO saves recovering cancer survivor from lung failure\nFrom cancer survivor to lung failure, Joey Porch’s journey took a miraculous turn with the help of the Penn Lung Rescue team\n\n[Learn More](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/news\/penn-lung-rescue-team-provides-a-lifeline-for-failing-lungs)\n\n![A hole in the heart repaired](https:\/\/tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/70e3e4d456384138aa7cf5207c2237db?v=035a4782)\n\n## A hole in the heart repaired\nAfter a heart attack, Vilma Patel's family brought her from India to Lancaster for lifesaving VSD repair.\n\n[Learn More](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/news\/a-hole-in-the-heart-repaired)\n\n![A skipped heartbeat reveals a silent and serious heart risk](https:\/\/tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/5d501720bb704d7d830c78140bea72dd?v=37e00594)\n\n## A skipped heartbeat reveals a silent and serious heart risk\nA healthy, active man was alarmed to notice his heart was skipping a beat, revealing a thoracic aortic aneurysm and a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV).\n\n[Learn More](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/news\/skipped-heartbeat-reveals-silent-and-serious-heart-risk)\n\n![Father and son undergo aortic repairs a year apart](https:\/\/tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/c2422fedfac84ed785239ee331039a08?v=2d52a4c2)\n\n## Father and son undergo aortic repairs a year apart\nA father and son share a genetic heart condition called bicuspid aortic valve and had successful surgeries at Penn Medicine a year apart.\n\n[Learn More](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/news\/father-and-son-undergo-aortic-repairs)\n\n![Embracing life’s rhythm: Kathleen’s robotic surgery journey](https:\/\/tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/0394df93fd4b4c33af7516db497fd184?v=6ac0cca7&t=16x9)\n\n## Embracing life’s rhythm: Kathleen’s robotic surgery journey\nKathleen Tierney talks about her journey having robotic mitral valve surgery performed at Penn Medicine.\n\n[Learn More](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/news\/embracing-lifes-rhythm-kathleens-robotic-surgery-journey)\n\n![A new way to treat Afib: Pulsed field ablation](https:\/\/tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/fc5e5d25601e480eb9beb0f915d2757b?v=9c0133cf)\n\n## A new way to treat Afib: Pulsed field ablation\nRick Smith chose pulsed field ablation for its precision and faster recovery. One month later, he’s back on the road, grateful for the care he received.\n\n[Learn More](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/news\/a-new-way-to-treat-afib-pulsed-field-ablation)\n\n![ECMO saves recovering cancer survivor from lung failure](https:\/\/tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/4309df508113417da5a31d1493c8001d?v=9959057f)\n\n## ECMO saves recovering cancer survivor from lung failure\nFrom cancer survivor to lung failure, Joey Porch’s journey took a miraculous turn with the help of the Penn Lung Rescue team\n\n[Learn More](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/news\/penn-lung-rescue-team-provides-a-lifeline-for-failing-lungs)\n\n![A hole in the heart repaired](https:\/\/tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/70e3e4d456384138aa7cf5207c2237db?v=035a4782)\n\n## A hole in the heart repaired\nAfter a heart attack, Vilma Patel's family brought her from India to Lancaster for lifesaving VSD repair.\n\n[Learn More](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/news\/a-hole-in-the-heart-repaired)\n\n![A skipped heartbeat reveals a silent and serious heart risk](https:\/\/tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/5d501720bb704d7d830c78140bea72dd?v=37e00594)\n\n## A skipped heartbeat reveals a silent and serious heart risk\nA healthy, active man was alarmed to notice his heart was skipping a beat, revealing a thoracic aortic aneurysm and a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV).\n\n[Learn More](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/news\/skipped-heartbeat-reveals-silent-and-serious-heart-risk)\n\n### Schedule an appointment\nWe can help you schedule an appointment or you can search our directory of specialists.\n\n[Find a doctor](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Find-Doctor?condition=0fbe0f86-e1db-419b-a0dc-4c1181b8652a)\n\n[Call 800-789-7366](tel:\/\/+1-800-789-7366)\n\n- Learn more about Penn Medicine\n  - - [About us](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/About)\n    - [Pioneering the future of medicine](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/About\/Pioneering-the-future-of-medicine)\n    - [Transforming patient care](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/About\/Transforming-patient-care)\n    - [Supporting our communities](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Supporting-our-communities)\n- For healthcare professionals\n  - - [Refer a patient](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Physician-resources\/Refer-patient)\n    - [PhysicianLink login](https:\/\/secure3.pennmedicine.org\/EpicLink\/common\/epic_login.asp)\n    - [Physician resources](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Physician-resources)\n- For international patients\n  - - [Global medicine](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Global-medicine)\n- Ways to help\n  - - [Giving](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Giving)\n    - [Volunteering](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Volunteering)\n    - [Organ donation](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Specialties\/Transplant\/Living-organ-donation)\n    - [Patient & family advisors](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Patient-resources\/Information-for-patients\/Patient-family-advisory-councils)\n- Research & innovations\n  - - [Research](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Research)\n    - [Office of Clinical Research](https:\/\/www.med.upenn.edu\/clinicalresearch)\n- For employees\n  - - [Employee resources](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Employee-resources)\n- News and events\n  - - [News & views](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/News)\n    - [News releases](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/News\/Search)\n    - [News media resources](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/News\/Media-resources)\n    - [Events](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Events)\n- Join us\n  - - [Careers](https:\/\/careers.pennmedicine.org\/)\n- For students & academics\n  - - [Academic departments](https:\/\/www3.pennmedicine.org\/departments-and-centers)\n    - [Fellowship & residency programs](https:\/\/www3.pennmedicine.org\/for-health-care-professionals\/fellowship-and-residency-programs\/)\n    - [Perelman School of Medicine](https:\/\/www.med.upenn.edu\/)\n\n- [Contact us](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Contact-us)\n- [HIPAA & privacy](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Hipaa-and-privacy)\n- [Terms of use](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Patient-resources\/Policies\/Terms-of-use)\n- [Legal disclaimer](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Patient-resources\/Policies\/Legal-disclaimer)\n- [Price transparency](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Patient-resources\/Policies\/Pricing-transparency)\n\n- Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 800-789-7366 © 2025, The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania\n\nNeed help?","attrs_readable_markdown":"What is heart failure?\n\nYour heart is a muscle that works 24\/7 to pump oxygenated blood throughout your body. Some conditions can take a toll on the heart muscle, causing it to weaken or stiffen. When this happens, the heart pumps inefficiently. Heart failure exists when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Conditions that contribute to heart failure include:\n\n- [Cancer-related heart disease](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Specialties\/Cardio-oncology): Cancer treatment effectively kills cancer cells, but may also damage other cells in the body, including heart cells.\n- [Cardiac amyloidosis](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/adam-data\/conditions\/2025\/01\/25\/00\/23\/Cardiac-amyloidosis): A disorder that causes abnormal protein deposits (amyloids) in the heart muscle\n- [Cardiac arrhythmias](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Cardiac-arrhythmia): Abnormal heart rhythms caused by faulty electrical heart impulses\n- [Cardiomyopathy](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Cardiomyopathy): A disease that leads to the heart muscle becoming stiffened, thickened or enlarged\n- [Congenital heart disease](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Specialties\/Adult-congenital-heart-disease-center): Heart abnormalities that develop before birth\n- [Constrictive pericarditis](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Pericarditis): Chronic inflammation of the membrane that covers the heart, which leads to thickening or scarring that prevents full heart expansion during beating\n- [Coronary artery disease](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Conditions\/Coronary-artery-disease): A narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygenated blood\n- [Heart valve disease](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Specialties\/Heart-valve-disease-care): A condition that causes one or more of the heart’s four valves to work improperly\n\nTypes of heart failure\n\nThere are two types of heart failure, each involving the lower heart chambers (ventricles):\n\n- Left-sided: Left-sided heart failure can be systolic or diastolic. Systolic heart failure happens when the left ventricle can’t contract enough to force blood out. Diastolic heart failure is when the left ventricle can’t relax and fill fully. Both types of left-sided heart failure result in blood backing up into the lungs.\n- Right-sided: When the right ventricle doesn’t pump efficiently, fluid can back up into the abdomen, legs or feet.\n\nHeart failure symptoms\n\nHeart failure symptoms can range from mild to severe. In the early stages you may experience flu-like symptoms, including:\n\n- Body aches\n- Fatigue\n- Fever or chills\n- Loss of appetite\n\nAs heart failure progresses, you may experience more pronounced symptoms, including:\n\n- Belly pain: You may feel bloated or fuller after eating.\n- Breathing disturbance: You may have shortness of breath all the time or with exertion. You might also have a cough when lying down.\n- Sleep disturbance: You may need to prop yourself up with pillows to prevent coughing.\n- Sudden weight gain: You may gain up to 2 pounds overnight.\n- Swelling: The fluid backup resulting from improper heart pumping can lead to swelling of the legs, ankles or feet (edema).\n\nDiagnosing heart failure\n\nPenn’s [cardiovascular imaging services](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Services\/Imaging-radiology\/Cardiothoracic-imaging) offer the most advanced technologies to help your heart failure specialist make an accurate diagnosis. Specialists use a measurement known as ejection fraction to determine how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each beat. Ejection fraction is measured using:\n\n- Echocardiogram\n- MRI\n\nYour cardiologist may use other tests to make a diagnosis, such as:\n\n- Blood tests, to measure markers for diseases that could affect the heart\n- Cardiac catheterization, to spot buildup or blockages that might be responsible for your symptoms\n- Cardiac CT scans, to detect buildup in heart arteries\n- Electrocardiogram, to measure your heart’s electrical activity\n- Exercise test (stress test), to measure how your heart responds to physical exertion\n\nHeart failure treatment at Penn Medicine\n\nThere are varying degrees of heart failure. Mild heart failure can be reversible with lifestyle changes or medication. The specialists in [Penn’s Primary Cardiology](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Specialties\/Primary-cardiology) Program can help you make changes to reverse the progression of heart failure.\n\nIf your condition worsens, you may need more advanced treatment. Our heart failure specialists offer medical treatments not available elsewhere, including:\n\nRelated specialties\n\n[View all](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/Specialties\/Search?pageIds=ABA6B99D-4BCC-479E-997C-985495DEF296,B4117508-AE42-4281-846A-83F07910403F,02DF17F8-EBFE-4F55-94F3-067ECB1BCE5F,F5DF8540-BB5E-4BED-9DC1-D53D65330C6B,D7933D43-E584-414E-8960-0B097FE9A305,7BAB1FE6-EF6E-49CE-B205-8940B7AF1BA2,641331EB-D4F0-438E-AF48-B9D5D7EBC5FA,EC192465-EDEE-465C-8A0D-6D22901117D0,4D747B41-1777-4A15-85E9-2FC8FCCAA8E2,ABA6B99D-4BCC-479E-997C-985495DEF296,B4117508-AE42-4281-846A-83F07910403F,02DF17F8-EBFE-4F55-94F3-067ECB1BCE5F,F5DF8540-BB5E-4BED-9DC1-D53D65330C6B,D7933D43-E584-414E-8960-0B097FE9A305,7BAB1FE6-EF6E-49CE-B205-8940B7AF1BA2,641331EB-D4F0-438E-AF48-B9D5D7EBC5FA,EC192465-EDEE-465C-8A0D-6D22901117D0,4D747B41-1777-4A15-85E9-2FC8FCCAA8E2&pageTypeId=C5F8B6B4-CA80-490F-B571-1851F96CDEA0,d2df6dd8-0e76-432a-910a-6628d82c9903,72B1B2DB-A400-43D3-B904-D726962F77B3,a1a3a041-97be-4c7d-8a13-df3c92fff0af)\n\nPatient stories","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Heart Failure \| Penn Medicine
Meta Description	Several conditions can contribute to heart failure — our specialists provide expert treatment for all of them.
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Boilerpipe Text	What is heart failure? Your heart is a muscle that works 24/7 to pump oxygenated blood throughout your body. Some conditions can take a toll on the heart muscle, causing it to weaken or stiffen. When this happens, the heart pumps inefficiently. Heart failure exists when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Conditions that contribute to heart failure include: Cancer-related heart disease : Cancer treatment effectively kills cancer cells, but may also damage other cells in the body, including heart cells. Cardiac amyloidosis : A disorder that causes abnormal protein deposits (amyloids) in the heart muscle Cardiac arrhythmias : Abnormal heart rhythms caused by faulty electrical heart impulses Cardiomyopathy : A disease that leads to the heart muscle becoming stiffened, thickened or enlarged Congenital heart disease : Heart abnormalities that develop before birth Constrictive pericarditis : Chronic inflammation of the membrane that covers the heart, which leads to thickening or scarring that prevents full heart expansion during beating Coronary artery disease : A narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygenated blood Heart valve disease : A condition that causes one or more of the heart’s four valves to work improperly Types of heart failure There are two types of heart failure, each involving the lower heart chambers (ventricles): Left-sided: Left-sided heart failure can be systolic or diastolic. Systolic heart failure happens when the left ventricle can’t contract enough to force blood out. Diastolic heart failure is when the left ventricle can’t relax and fill fully. Both types of left-sided heart failure result in blood backing up into the lungs. Right-sided: When the right ventricle doesn’t pump efficiently, fluid can back up into the abdomen, legs or feet. Heart failure symptoms Heart failure symptoms can range from mild to severe. In the early stages you may experience flu-like symptoms, including: Body aches Fatigue Fever or chills Loss of appetite As heart failure progresses, you may experience more pronounced symptoms, including: Belly pain: You may feel bloated or fuller after eating. Breathing disturbance: You may have shortness of breath all the time or with exertion. You might also have a cough when lying down. Sleep disturbance: You may need to prop yourself up with pillows to prevent coughing. Sudden weight gain: You may gain up to 2 pounds overnight. Swelling: The fluid backup resulting from improper heart pumping can lead to swelling of the legs, ankles or feet (edema). Diagnosing heart failure Penn’s cardiovascular imaging services offer the most advanced technologies to help your heart failure specialist make an accurate diagnosis. Specialists use a measurement known as ejection fraction to determine how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each beat. Ejection fraction is measured using: Echocardiogram MRI Your cardiologist may use other tests to make a diagnosis, such as: Blood tests, to measure markers for diseases that could affect the heart Cardiac catheterization, to spot buildup or blockages that might be responsible for your symptoms Cardiac CT scans, to detect buildup in heart arteries Electrocardiogram, to measure your heart’s electrical activity Exercise test (stress test), to measure how your heart responds to physical exertion Heart failure treatment at Penn Medicine There are varying degrees of heart failure. Mild heart failure can be reversible with lifestyle changes or medication. The specialists in Penn’s Primary Cardiology Program can help you make changes to reverse the progression of heart failure. If your condition worsens, you may need more advanced treatment. Our heart failure specialists offer medical treatments not available elsewhere, including: Related specialties View all Patient stories
Markdown	[800-789-7366](tel:8007897366) [Patient login](https://secure.mypennmedicine.org/MyPennMedicine/) [![Penn Medicine Home](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/thetrusteesc483-pennmedicine-prod-fab7/media/Project/PennMedicine/Logos/pm.svg?iar=0)](https://www.pennmedicine.org/) - [Get care](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Get-care) - [Find a doctor](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Find-Doctor) - Specialties & services - Locations - For patients & visitors - Search # Heart failure [Find a doctor](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Find-Doctor/Search?condition=0fbe0f86-e1db-419b-a0dc-4c1181b8652a) [Call 800-789-7366](tel://+1-800-789-7366) Overview - [Heart failure](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Heart-failure) - [Diagnosis](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Heart-failure/Diagnosis) - [Treatment](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Heart-failure/Treatments) - [Living with heart failure](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Heart-failure/Living-with-heart-failure) - [Heart failure](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Heart-failure) - [Diagnosis](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Heart-failure/Diagnosis) - [Treatment](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Heart-failure/Treatments) - [Living with heart failure](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Heart-failure/Living-with-heart-failure) ## What is heart failure? Your heart is a muscle that works 24/7 to pump oxygenated blood throughout your body. Some conditions can take a toll on the heart muscle, causing it to weaken or stiffen. When this happens, the heart pumps inefficiently. Heart failure exists when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Conditions that contribute to heart failure include: - [Cancer-related heart disease](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Specialties/Cardio-oncology): Cancer treatment effectively kills cancer cells, but may also damage other cells in the body, including heart cells. - [Cardiac amyloidosis](https://www.pennmedicine.org/adam-data/conditions/2025/01/25/00/23/Cardiac-amyloidosis): A disorder that causes abnormal protein deposits (amyloids) in the heart muscle - [Cardiac arrhythmias](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Cardiac-arrhythmia): Abnormal heart rhythms caused by faulty electrical heart impulses - [Cardiomyopathy](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Cardiomyopathy): A disease that leads to the heart muscle becoming stiffened, thickened or enlarged - [Congenital heart disease](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Specialties/Adult-congenital-heart-disease-center): Heart abnormalities that develop before birth - [Constrictive pericarditis](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Pericarditis): Chronic inflammation of the membrane that covers the heart, which leads to thickening or scarring that prevents full heart expansion during beating - [Coronary artery disease](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Coronary-artery-disease): A narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygenated blood - [Heart valve disease](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Specialties/Heart-valve-disease-care): A condition that causes one or more of the heart’s four valves to work improperly ## Types of heart failure There are two types of heart failure, each involving the lower heart chambers (ventricles): - Left-sided: Left-sided heart failure can be systolic or diastolic. Systolic heart failure happens when the left ventricle can’t contract enough to force blood out. Diastolic heart failure is when the left ventricle can’t relax and fill fully. Both types of left-sided heart failure result in blood backing up into the lungs. - Right-sided: When the right ventricle doesn’t pump efficiently, fluid can back up into the abdomen, legs or feet. ## Heart failure symptoms Heart failure symptoms can range from mild to severe. In the early stages you may experience flu-like symptoms, including: - Body aches - Fatigue - Fever or chills - Loss of appetite As heart failure progresses, you may experience more pronounced symptoms, including: - Belly pain: You may feel bloated or fuller after eating. - Breathing disturbance: You may have shortness of breath all the time or with exertion. You might also have a cough when lying down. - Sleep disturbance: You may need to prop yourself up with pillows to prevent coughing. - Sudden weight gain: You may gain up to 2 pounds overnight. - Swelling: The fluid backup resulting from improper heart pumping can lead to swelling of the legs, ankles or feet (edema). ## Diagnosing heart failure Penn’s [cardiovascular imaging services](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Services/Imaging-radiology/Cardiothoracic-imaging) offer the most advanced technologies to help your heart failure specialist make an accurate diagnosis. Specialists use a measurement known as ejection fraction to determine how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each beat. Ejection fraction is measured using: - Echocardiogram - MRI Your cardiologist may use other tests to make a diagnosis, such as: - Blood tests, to measure markers for diseases that could affect the heart - Cardiac catheterization, to spot buildup or blockages that might be responsible for your symptoms - Cardiac CT scans, to detect buildup in heart arteries - Electrocardiogram, to measure your heart’s electrical activity - Exercise test (stress test), to measure how your heart responds to physical exertion ## Heart failure treatment at Penn Medicine There are varying degrees of heart failure. Mild heart failure can be reversible with lifestyle changes or medication. The specialists in [Penn’s Primary Cardiology](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Specialties/Primary-cardiology) Program can help you make changes to reverse the progression of heart failure. If your condition worsens, you may need more advanced treatment. Our heart failure specialists offer medical treatments not available elsewhere, including: ### Implantable Devices Treatment options include implantable devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). These devices may offer symptom relief and support to help your heart to pump enough blood. ### Mechanical Circulatory Support Our [Mechanical Circulatory Support Program](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Specialties/Mechanical-circulatory-support) has deep experience using ventricular assist devices (VADs) to support patients with heart failure. Our specialists also use extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to help patients recover from acute heart failure. ### Corrective Surgery Our renowned heart surgeons deliver heart failure symptom relief and correct underlying problems that cause heart failure with these procedures: - [Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Treatments/Coronary-artery-bypass-graft), to clear the blocked heart arteries that contribute to heart failure - [Heart valve disease treatment](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Specialties/Heart-valve-disease-care) and [minimally invasive heart surgery](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Treatments/Minimally-invasive-heart-surgery), to repair or replace faulty heart valves - [Pericardiectomy](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Treatments/Pericardiectomy), to remove part or all of a stiffened membrane that surrounds the heart - [Septal myectomy](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Treatments/Septal-myectomy), to reduce the size of the wall (septum) between the ventricles and maximize the size of the heart chambers to improve blood flow ### Heart Transplant Surgery Penn is a national leader in [heart transplant surgery](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Treatments/Heart-transplant) for heart failure that doesn’t respond to medicines or other therapy. We perform more heart transplants per year than all other regional heart transplant centers combined. Learn more about our [Heart Transplant Program](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Specialties/Transplant/Heart-transplant). ## Related specialties [Cardiothoracic imaging We use the latest cardiothoracic imaging exams to diagnose heart, blood vessel, and lung diseases.](https://www.pennmedicine.org/services/imaging-radiology/cardiothoracic-imaging) [Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging help us diagnose cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders.](https://www.pennmedicine.org/services/imaging-radiology/nuclear-medicine-imaging) [Heart failure care Our nationally recognized program specializes in treating every stage and type of heart failure.](https://www.pennmedicine.org/specialties/heart-failure-care) [Interventional cardiology Our cardiologists use a variety of tests to diagnose and evaluate a wide range of heart conditions.](https://www.pennmedicine.org/specialties/interventional-cardiology) [Heart and vascular care Our clinicians, researchers, and educators provide comprehensive, best-in-class heart and vascular care.](https://www.pennmedicine.org/specialties/heart-vascular-care) [Women’s cardiovascular health We specialize in women’s cardiovascular health—diagnosing and treating all heart conditions.](https://www.pennmedicine.org/specialties/womens-cardiovascular-health) [View all](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Specialties/Search?pageIds=ABA6B99D-4BCC-479E-997C-985495DEF296,B4117508-AE42-4281-846A-83F07910403F,02DF17F8-EBFE-4F55-94F3-067ECB1BCE5F,F5DF8540-BB5E-4BED-9DC1-D53D65330C6B,D7933D43-E584-414E-8960-0B097FE9A305,7BAB1FE6-EF6E-49CE-B205-8940B7AF1BA2,641331EB-D4F0-438E-AF48-B9D5D7EBC5FA,EC192465-EDEE-465C-8A0D-6D22901117D0,4D747B41-1777-4A15-85E9-2FC8FCCAA8E2,ABA6B99D-4BCC-479E-997C-985495DEF296,B4117508-AE42-4281-846A-83F07910403F,02DF17F8-EBFE-4F55-94F3-067ECB1BCE5F,F5DF8540-BB5E-4BED-9DC1-D53D65330C6B,D7933D43-E584-414E-8960-0B097FE9A305,7BAB1FE6-EF6E-49CE-B205-8940B7AF1BA2,641331EB-D4F0-438E-AF48-B9D5D7EBC5FA,EC192465-EDEE-465C-8A0D-6D22901117D0,4D747B41-1777-4A15-85E9-2FC8FCCAA8E2&pageTypeId=C5F8B6B4-CA80-490F-B571-1851F96CDEA0,d2df6dd8-0e76-432a-910a-6628d82c9903,72B1B2DB-A400-43D3-B904-D726962F77B3,a1a3a041-97be-4c7d-8a13-df3c92fff0af) ## Patient stories ![Father and son undergo aortic repairs a year apart](https://tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/c2422fedfac84ed785239ee331039a08?v=2d52a4c2) ## Father and son undergo aortic repairs a year apart A father and son share a genetic heart condition called bicuspid aortic valve and had successful surgeries at Penn Medicine a year apart. [Learn More](https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/father-and-son-undergo-aortic-repairs) ![Embracing life’s rhythm: Kathleen’s robotic surgery journey](https://tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/0394df93fd4b4c33af7516db497fd184?v=6ac0cca7&t=16x9) ## Embracing life’s rhythm: Kathleen’s robotic surgery journey Kathleen Tierney talks about her journey having robotic mitral valve surgery performed at Penn Medicine. [Learn More](https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/embracing-lifes-rhythm-kathleens-robotic-surgery-journey) ![A new way to treat Afib: Pulsed field ablation](https://tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/fc5e5d25601e480eb9beb0f915d2757b?v=9c0133cf) ## A new way to treat Afib: Pulsed field ablation Rick Smith chose pulsed field ablation for its precision and faster recovery. One month later, he’s back on the road, grateful for the care he received. [Learn More](https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/a-new-way-to-treat-afib-pulsed-field-ablation) ![ECMO saves recovering cancer survivor from lung failure](https://tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/4309df508113417da5a31d1493c8001d?v=9959057f) ## ECMO saves recovering cancer survivor from lung failure From cancer survivor to lung failure, Joey Porch’s journey took a miraculous turn with the help of the Penn Lung Rescue team [Learn More](https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/penn-lung-rescue-team-provides-a-lifeline-for-failing-lungs) ![A hole in the heart repaired](https://tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/70e3e4d456384138aa7cf5207c2237db?v=035a4782) ## A hole in the heart repaired After a heart attack, Vilma Patel's family brought her from India to Lancaster for lifesaving VSD repair. [Learn More](https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/a-hole-in-the-heart-repaired) ![A skipped heartbeat reveals a silent and serious heart risk](https://tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/5d501720bb704d7d830c78140bea72dd?v=37e00594) ## A skipped heartbeat reveals a silent and serious heart risk A healthy, active man was alarmed to notice his heart was skipping a beat, revealing a thoracic aortic aneurysm and a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). [Learn More](https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/skipped-heartbeat-reveals-silent-and-serious-heart-risk) ![Father and son undergo aortic repairs a year apart](https://tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/c2422fedfac84ed785239ee331039a08?v=2d52a4c2) ## Father and son undergo aortic repairs a year apart A father and son share a genetic heart condition called bicuspid aortic valve and had successful surgeries at Penn Medicine a year apart. [Learn More](https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/father-and-son-undergo-aortic-repairs) ![Embracing life’s rhythm: Kathleen’s robotic surgery journey](https://tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/0394df93fd4b4c33af7516db497fd184?v=6ac0cca7&t=16x9) ## Embracing life’s rhythm: Kathleen’s robotic surgery journey Kathleen Tierney talks about her journey having robotic mitral valve surgery performed at Penn Medicine. [Learn More](https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/embracing-lifes-rhythm-kathleens-robotic-surgery-journey) ![A new way to treat Afib: Pulsed field ablation](https://tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/fc5e5d25601e480eb9beb0f915d2757b?v=9c0133cf) ## A new way to treat Afib: Pulsed field ablation Rick Smith chose pulsed field ablation for its precision and faster recovery. One month later, he’s back on the road, grateful for the care he received. [Learn More](https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/a-new-way-to-treat-afib-pulsed-field-ablation) ![ECMO saves recovering cancer survivor from lung failure](https://tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/4309df508113417da5a31d1493c8001d?v=9959057f) ## ECMO saves recovering cancer survivor from lung failure From cancer survivor to lung failure, Joey Porch’s journey took a miraculous turn with the help of the Penn Lung Rescue team [Learn More](https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/penn-lung-rescue-team-provides-a-lifeline-for-failing-lungs) ![A hole in the heart repaired](https://tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/70e3e4d456384138aa7cf5207c2237db?v=035a4782) ## A hole in the heart repaired After a heart attack, Vilma Patel's family brought her from India to Lancaster for lifesaving VSD repair. [Learn More](https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/a-hole-in-the-heart-repaired) ![A skipped heartbeat reveals a silent and serious heart risk](https://tupa-q-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/5d501720bb704d7d830c78140bea72dd?v=37e00594) ## A skipped heartbeat reveals a silent and serious heart risk A healthy, active man was alarmed to notice his heart was skipping a beat, revealing a thoracic aortic aneurysm and a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). [Learn More](https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/skipped-heartbeat-reveals-silent-and-serious-heart-risk) ### Schedule an appointment We can help you schedule an appointment or you can search our directory of specialists. 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Readable Markdown	What is heart failure? Your heart is a muscle that works 24/7 to pump oxygenated blood throughout your body. Some conditions can take a toll on the heart muscle, causing it to weaken or stiffen. When this happens, the heart pumps inefficiently. Heart failure exists when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Conditions that contribute to heart failure include: - [Cancer-related heart disease](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Specialties/Cardio-oncology): Cancer treatment effectively kills cancer cells, but may also damage other cells in the body, including heart cells. - [Cardiac amyloidosis](https://www.pennmedicine.org/adam-data/conditions/2025/01/25/00/23/Cardiac-amyloidosis): A disorder that causes abnormal protein deposits (amyloids) in the heart muscle - [Cardiac arrhythmias](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Cardiac-arrhythmia): Abnormal heart rhythms caused by faulty electrical heart impulses - [Cardiomyopathy](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Cardiomyopathy): A disease that leads to the heart muscle becoming stiffened, thickened or enlarged - [Congenital heart disease](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Specialties/Adult-congenital-heart-disease-center): Heart abnormalities that develop before birth - [Constrictive pericarditis](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Pericarditis): Chronic inflammation of the membrane that covers the heart, which leads to thickening or scarring that prevents full heart expansion during beating - [Coronary artery disease](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Conditions/Coronary-artery-disease): A narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygenated blood - [Heart valve disease](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Specialties/Heart-valve-disease-care): A condition that causes one or more of the heart’s four valves to work improperly Types of heart failure There are two types of heart failure, each involving the lower heart chambers (ventricles): - Left-sided: Left-sided heart failure can be systolic or diastolic. Systolic heart failure happens when the left ventricle can’t contract enough to force blood out. Diastolic heart failure is when the left ventricle can’t relax and fill fully. Both types of left-sided heart failure result in blood backing up into the lungs. - Right-sided: When the right ventricle doesn’t pump efficiently, fluid can back up into the abdomen, legs or feet. Heart failure symptoms Heart failure symptoms can range from mild to severe. In the early stages you may experience flu-like symptoms, including: - Body aches - Fatigue - Fever or chills - Loss of appetite As heart failure progresses, you may experience more pronounced symptoms, including: - Belly pain: You may feel bloated or fuller after eating. - Breathing disturbance: You may have shortness of breath all the time or with exertion. You might also have a cough when lying down. - Sleep disturbance: You may need to prop yourself up with pillows to prevent coughing. - Sudden weight gain: You may gain up to 2 pounds overnight. - Swelling: The fluid backup resulting from improper heart pumping can lead to swelling of the legs, ankles or feet (edema). Diagnosing heart failure Penn’s [cardiovascular imaging services](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Services/Imaging-radiology/Cardiothoracic-imaging) offer the most advanced technologies to help your heart failure specialist make an accurate diagnosis. Specialists use a measurement known as ejection fraction to determine how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each beat. Ejection fraction is measured using: - Echocardiogram - MRI Your cardiologist may use other tests to make a diagnosis, such as: - Blood tests, to measure markers for diseases that could affect the heart - Cardiac catheterization, to spot buildup or blockages that might be responsible for your symptoms - Cardiac CT scans, to detect buildup in heart arteries - Electrocardiogram, to measure your heart’s electrical activity - Exercise test (stress test), to measure how your heart responds to physical exertion Heart failure treatment at Penn Medicine There are varying degrees of heart failure. Mild heart failure can be reversible with lifestyle changes or medication. The specialists in [Penn’s Primary Cardiology](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Specialties/Primary-cardiology) Program can help you make changes to reverse the progression of heart failure. If your condition worsens, you may need more advanced treatment. Our heart failure specialists offer medical treatments not available elsewhere, including: Related specialties [View all](https://www.pennmedicine.org/Specialties/Search?pageIds=ABA6B99D-4BCC-479E-997C-985495DEF296,B4117508-AE42-4281-846A-83F07910403F,02DF17F8-EBFE-4F55-94F3-067ECB1BCE5F,F5DF8540-BB5E-4BED-9DC1-D53D65330C6B,D7933D43-E584-414E-8960-0B097FE9A305,7BAB1FE6-EF6E-49CE-B205-8940B7AF1BA2,641331EB-D4F0-438E-AF48-B9D5D7EBC5FA,EC192465-EDEE-465C-8A0D-6D22901117D0,4D747B41-1777-4A15-85E9-2FC8FCCAA8E2,ABA6B99D-4BCC-479E-997C-985495DEF296,B4117508-AE42-4281-846A-83F07910403F,02DF17F8-EBFE-4F55-94F3-067ECB1BCE5F,F5DF8540-BB5E-4BED-9DC1-D53D65330C6B,D7933D43-E584-414E-8960-0B097FE9A305,7BAB1FE6-EF6E-49CE-B205-8940B7AF1BA2,641331EB-D4F0-438E-AF48-B9D5D7EBC5FA,EC192465-EDEE-465C-8A0D-6D22901117D0,4D747B41-1777-4A15-85E9-2FC8FCCAA8E2&pageTypeId=C5F8B6B4-CA80-490F-B571-1851F96CDEA0,d2df6dd8-0e76-432a-910a-6628d82c9903,72B1B2DB-A400-43D3-B904-D726962F77B3,a1a3a041-97be-4c7d-8a13-df3c92fff0af) Patient stories
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