It does not mean the heart has stopped
Heart failure means the heart is not filling or pumping as effectively as the body needs. The heart is still working, but it needs treatment and support.
Clinics & long-term care
Heart Failure Care
Connected specialist treatment, education and support for people living with heart failure.
Specialist-ledAward-recognisedConnected diagnostics24/7 escalation
Emergency? Go to the nearest emergency department now — do not drive yourself.
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Heart failure, explained clearly
Your heart has not stopped. It needs the right support.
Heart failure develops when the heart cannot fill or pump well enough to meet the body’s needs. Blood flow may be reduced and fluid may collect in the lungs, legs or abdomen. This can cause breathlessness, tiredness and swelling—but the diagnosis is not the end of the story.
Heart failure is a syndrome with several possible causes and types. Understanding the cause matters because treatment may protect the heart muscle, reduce fluid, correct a rhythm problem, improve blood supply or repair a valve. Many people feel better and live more confidently once the right combination is in place.
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Medicines
Monitoring
Support
There is more than one type
Some hearts squeeze less strongly; others remain stiff and do not fill normally. The right side, left side or both may be affected. The type helps guide treatment.
It is serious—and treatable
Modern medicines, devices, procedures, surgery and daily monitoring can reduce symptoms, protect the heart and help many people live active, meaningful lives.
What people may notice
Symptoms can be gradual—or change quickly.
One symptom alone cannot diagnose heart failure. A new pattern, a clear change from usual or several symptoms together should be assessed.
Breathlessness
During activity, at rest, when lying flat or when waking suddenly at night.
Swelling
Around the ankles, legs or abdomen, sometimes with tighter shoes or clothing.
Tiredness
Less energy, reduced walking distance or difficulty with usual activities.
Fluid changes
A quick change in weight, increasing swelling or reduced urine may reflect changing fluid balance.
Cough or poor appetite
A persistent cough, abdominal fullness, nausea or reduced appetite can occur when fluid builds up.
Fast rhythm or dizziness
Palpitations, light-headedness, poor concentration or fainting need clinical attention.
Do not wait
Get urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
- Sudden or severe difficulty breathing
- Chest pressure, collapse or fainting
- New confusion, extreme weakness or blue-grey lips
- Rapidly worsening swelling with breathlessness
- A sustained very fast or very slow heartbeat with severe symptoms
Go to the nearest emergency department immediately — do not drive yourself. Call our 24/7 emergency line on +234 806 142 4614 to tell us you are coming.
Call 24/7 emergency: +234 806 142 4614Why heart failure happens
We look for the cause—not only the fluid.
Heart failure can develop because the heart muscle is weakened, stiff, overloaded or working against another problem. More than one cause may be present.
Long-standing high blood pressureCoronary artery disease or a previous heart attackHeart-valve diseaseCardiomyopathy or inflammation of the heart muscleAbnormal heart rhythmsCongenital heart diseaseDiabetes, kidney disease and other conditions that increase strain on the heartSome medicines, infections or treatments that affect heart muscle
How we establish the diagnosis01 02 03 04
Conversation and examination
We ask when symptoms began, what makes them worse, current medicines and how daily life has changed. Examination looks for circulation and fluid signs.
ECG and laboratory tests
These can assess rhythm, kidney function, blood count, salts and other possible contributors. Selected biomarkers may support the diagnosis.
Echocardiography
Heart ultrasound shows pumping function, filling, chamber size and valve problems—important information for identifying the type of heart failure.
Find the underlying cause
Further rhythm monitoring, coronary assessment, CT, catheterisation or other tests may be needed when the cause is not yet clear.
How heart failure is treated
Several treatments. One coordinated purpose.
The treatment plan depends on the type, cause, symptoms, kidney function, blood pressure, rhythm and other health conditions.
Your heart-failure planreviewed and adjusted over time
01
Medicines that protect the heart
Several medicine groups can reduce strain, improve symptoms and lower the risk of hospital admission for suitable patients. Treatment is introduced and adjusted individually.
↗02
Treat the cause
Blood pressure, blocked arteries, valve disease, rhythm problems, diabetes, kidney disease and other contributing conditions need attention.
↗03
Control congestion
Medicines and an individual fluid plan can reduce swelling and breathlessness when excess fluid is present.
↗04
Devices when appropriate
Selected patients may benefit from a pacemaker, cardiac resynchronisation therapy or an ICD after specialist assessment.
↗05
Intervention or surgery
Cath-lab treatment or cardiac surgery may help when coronary or valve disease is driving heart failure.
↗06
Rehabilitation and support
Safe activity, nutrition guidance, medicine teaching, family involvement and emotional support help turn the clinical plan into daily life.
↗Living well with heart failure
Treatment continues between appointments.
Good daily management is not about being perfect. It is about understanding priorities, noticing change early and knowing who to call.
01
Know your medicines
Use an up-to-date list, take treatment consistently and ask before stopping a medicine or adding over-the-counter or herbal products.
→02
Notice change early
Your team may ask you to track symptoms, swelling, blood pressure or weight. The important part is knowing which change should prompt a call.
→03
Eat for your plan
Familiar Nigerian meals can be adapted without making food joyless. Salt, fluid, diabetes and kidney advice should be personalised rather than copied from another patient.
→04
Move with guidance
Appropriate activity can build strength and confidence. The type and pace should reflect symptoms, heart function and clinical advice.
→05
Plan work and travel
Many people continue work, family responsibilities and travel. Discuss demanding activity, long journeys, medication supplies and access to care beforehand.
→06
Look after emotional wellbeing
Fear and uncertainty are understandable. Questions, family support, counselling and meeting others living with heart failure can make the journey less isolating.
→First Saturday of every month
You do not have to manage heart failure alone.
Our Heart Failure Support Group brings people living with heart failure, families and Cardiocare clinicians together for practical teaching, questions and honest conversation. Topics include medicines, warning signs, activity, food, appointments and the emotional side of a long-term diagnosis.
- Learn in simple, respectful language
- Bring a family member or caregiver
- Ask the questions that do not fit into a rushed visit
- Meet others who understand the journey
The Cardiocare advantage
Expertise is stronger when the whole system is ready.
Our pathway combines clinical treatment with the practical teaching patients and families need to manage daily life confidently. This is why patients, families and referring clinicians choose Cardiocare for care that may need more than one specialist or facility.
01
One hospital, one plan
Consultation, diagnostics, intervention, surgery, ICU/HDU, dialysis and recovery can coordinate without fragmenting the patient journey.
02
Pioneering capability
Advanced catheter, device and surgical expertise—including Northern Nigeria’s first cardiac left bundle branch pacing—reflects a culture of clinical progress.
03
Critical care around complex care
Round-the-clock emergency, ICU and HDU support surrounds patients whose needs may change quickly.
04
Multispecialty judgement
Cardiology works alongside nephrology, endocrinology, neurology, pulmonology, surgery and other specialists when one diagnosis is not the whole story.
05
Care here in Nigeria
International-level cardiovascular capability in Abuja helps families avoid unnecessary travel abroad and remain closer to their support system.
06
Education is part of care
Plain-language teaching, patient guides, support programmes and professional education turn expertise into confidence.
45specialist service pathways
24/7emergency, ICU & HDU support
1982Limi Hospital Group heritage
Awardedexcellence by the Nigerian Cardiac Society
Questions patients ask
Good questions deserve clear answers.
Open each question for a straightforward explanation. Your own clinician should still interpret what it means for you.
Ask the Cardiocare team01Does heart failure mean my heart is about to stop?＋
No. The name is frightening, but it describes reduced pumping or filling—not a stopped heart. It is a serious condition that needs treatment and follow-up.
02Can heart failure get better?＋
Symptoms and heart function may improve when the cause is treated and the right therapy is used. Some forms remain long term, but good care can reduce symptoms and admissions.
03Can I still work, exercise or travel?＋
Many people can. The safe level depends on symptoms, heart function, treatment and the demands involved. Your care team can help create an individual plan.
04Must I stop eating Nigerian food?＋
No. The goal is to adapt familiar meals—especially salt and portion habits—to your heart, kidney and diabetes needs. Advice should be practical and individual.
05Why might I need a device or surgery?＋
Some heart failure is driven by rhythm, electrical coordination, blocked arteries or valve disease. A device, catheter procedure or surgery may treat that specific problem for selected patients.
06What should my family know?＋
They should understand the medicine plan, important symptom changes, emergency signs and how to support appointments and daily routines without taking away independence.
Continue learning
Patient guides for this care journey.
Prepare questions, understand warning signs and revisit explanations at your own pace.
Important medical information
This page is educational and cannot diagnose a condition or determine which treatment is right for an individual. A clinician must assess symptoms, results, medicines and overall health. Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent care.
Consultant-led teamsCardiology, interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery, led by fellowship-trained consultant physicians (FWACP/FMCP).
Pioneer institutionNorthern Nigeria's pioneer cardiovascular institution, recognised by the Nigerian Cardiac Society.
Teaching hospitalA postgraduate teaching institution and MDCN-accredited CPD provider.
Proven cath labHundreds of successful catheter-based procedures in our on-site cath lab.
This could be an emergency — go to the nearest emergency department immediately, do not drive yourself