Heart failure affects approximately 5 million people in the United States. It can be caused by a number of conditions and treatment options may vary depending on the cause. The two most common conditions that lead to heart failure are high blood pressure and the development of coronary artery disease. Patients who have had a heart attack due to blockage of coronary arteries also develop heart failure. Additionally severe anemia, congenital heart defects, myocarditis and cardiomyopathy can be a cause. Risk factors for heart failure include smoking, poor lifestyle, diabetes, obesity and a fami