What is one major cause of heart failure?

One major cause of heart failure is untreated high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. When blood pressure remains consistently high, the heart must work harder to pump blood against the elevated pressure in the arteries. Over time, this increased workload can lead to the heart muscle thickening (a condition known as left ventricular hypertrophy) or weakening, diminishing its ability to pump effectively. This can ultimately result in heart failure, which is a condition where the heart cannot supply sufficient blood to meet the body's needs.

In contrast, while high cholesterol levels can contribute to atherosclerosis and blockages that may lead to heart disease, they are not recognized as a direct cause of heart failure in the same manner as untreated high blood pressure. Excess exercise, particularly in otherwise healthy individuals, usually does not cause heart failure; rather, it can strengthen the heart. Smoking is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease but does not directly cause heart failure by itself. Understanding these distinctions helps to clarify why untreated high blood pressure is a primary concern in relation to heart failure.