Heart Failure

What Increases Your Risk

Heart failure is generally the result of another disease, often coronary artery disease. Anything that increases your risk for developing that underlying disease is a risk factor for heart failure. This includes:

• Risk factors for coronary artery disease and heart attack.
• Risk factors for high blood pressure.
• Risk factors for heart valve disease.
• Risk factors for diabetes (because diabetes can increase the risk of coronary artery disease and also can cause a condition called diabetic cardiomyopathy).

A recent study suggests that people with rheumatoid arthritis have twice the risk of developing congestive heart failure as people without the condition.³

More information More on risk factors for heart failure

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: September 1, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.