What is heart failure and what can I do about it?

Enlarged heart and heart failure
Medically reviewed by Dr Michael Ross MacDonaldSpeak with Dr Michael Ross MacDonaldSenior Consultant Cardiologist · The Harley Street Heart & Vascular CentreDr MacDonald’s clinical interests include heart failure, preventive cardiology and cardiac imaging. Arrange an assessment to discuss your symptoms and options.Request a consultationView Dr MacDonald’s profile · Last reviewed August 2026

Key Facts

  • Heart failure is increasingly common, and is caused by common conditions like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and diabetes.
  • Swelling of the legs, breathlessness and tiredness are some of the common symptoms of a condition called heart failure.

Swelling of the legs, breathlessness and tiredness are some of the common symptoms of a condition called heart failure. Heart failure is increasingly common, and is caused by common conditions like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and diabetes. There are lots that can be done to treat it, but the first step is getting it diagnosed. If you have any of the above symptoms you should visit your doctor to get assessed.

Concerned about your heart health?

Book an assessment with a cardiologist at The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre.

Farrer Park · Novena · Napier Road · Mount Elizabeth

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Emergency: call 995. Seek emergency care immediately for chest pain, fainting, or sudden severe breathlessness. In Singapore, dial 995 for an ambulance.

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Concerned about your heart health?

Book an assessment with a cardiologist at The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre.

Farrer Park · Novena · Napier Road · Mount Elizabeth

Medically reviewed by Dr Michael Ross MacDonald, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice.