These causes will considerably modify the heart. The pathophysiology of heart failure is variously described as: (1) an edematous disorder, whereby deviations in renal hemodynamics and excretory capacity lead to salt and water retention; (2) a hemodynamic disorder, considered by peripheral vasoconstriction and decreased cardiac output; (3) a neurohormonal disorder, mainly by stimulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the adrenergic nervous system; (4) an inflammatory syndrome, linked to an amplification of local and circulatory pro-inflammatory cytokines; (5) myocardial disease, initiated by damage to the heart caused by pathological ventricular transformation. In heart failure, the heart experiences sudden or long-term structural damage. When damage occurs, sequences of initially compensatory but therefore maladaptive mechanisms follow (Henry & Abraham, ). Many compensatory mechanisms are stimulated in cases of heart failure. These mechanisms involve an increase in ventricular preload, or Frank-Starling mechanism, by ventricular dilation and volume expansion, peripheral vasoconstriction to initially maintain perfusion to important organs, myocardial hypertrophy to protect the wall when the heart expands, renal retention of sodium and water to improve the ventricular system. preload and start the adrenergic nervous system, which elevates heart rate and contractile function. Activation of neurohormonal vasoconstrictor systems, which include the RAAS, the adrenergic nervous system, and non-osmotic release of vasopressin will control these compensatory mechanisms (Henry and Abraham). These mechanisms contribute to the signs and symptoms of heart failure. However, the manifestations are not specific and...... middle of paper ...... the risk is high among older populations and in developing countries. As individuals age, they are more prone to hypertension, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, diabetes, MI and obesity, etc., leading to heart failure. Abnormalities of cardiac function are higher with increasing decade of life, especially from age 50. Furthermore, comorbidities occur more in developed countries due to different lifestyles. More and more people in developing countries are obese, diabetic and living longer, etc. All of these problems stress the heart and eventually lead to heart failure (Krum & Abraham, ). Heart failure is a common condition associated with many illnesses and conditions. Knowing the diseases and conditions that can cause heart failure will reduce your risk of heart failure. Treating and controlling conditions and diseases can further reduce the occurrence of heart failure..