Why does heart failure cause diarrhea?

Generally speaking, "la du zi" refers to diarrhea, and "xin shuai" refers to heart failure. Diarrhea occurring during heart failure may be caused by insufficient intestinal blood perfusion, indigestion and absorption disorders, drug side effects, intestinal flora imbalance, or hepatic congestion. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Insufficient Intestinal Blood Perfusion

During heart failure, the heart's pumping function declines, leading to reduced blood perfusion to peripheral organs such as the intestines. Intestinal ischemia and hypoxia affect normal intestinal function, causing diarrhea. It is recommended to engage in moderate exercise and follow a low-salt diet to enhance the heart's pumping capacity and ensure adequate blood supply to all organs.

2. Indigestion and Malabsorption

Patients with heart failure often experience loss of appetite and reduced food intake, combined with impaired intestinal function, leading to indigestion and malabsorption. Undigested food residues entering the colon can stimulate increased intestinal motility, causing diarrhea. Eating small, frequent meals and choosing easily digestible, nutrient-rich foods can help reduce the burden on the intestines.

3. Drug Side Effects

Certain medications used to treat heart failure, such as diuretics, increase urine output but may also cause electrolyte imbalances in the body—particularly potassium loss—which can affect intestinal function and cause diarrhea. Symptoms such as fatigue and palpitations may also occur. During treatment, medication dosages should be adjusted or changed under medical guidance.

4. Intestinal Flora Imbalance

Heart failure patients are prone to intestinal flora imbalance due to long-term medication use, decreased immunity, and other factors. An increase in harmful bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria may cause intestinal inflammation and lead to diarrhea, often accompanied by bloating and abdominal pain. Under medical guidance, medications such as Bifidobacterium Trilactis Capsules, Licheniformis Bacillus Capsules, or Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium Tablets may be used.

5. Hepatic Congestion

Severe heart failure can lead to hepatic congestion, impairing liver function and subsequently affecting bile secretion and excretion. Insufficient bile results in fat malabsorption, causing fatty diarrhea. Symptoms such as jaundice and liver area pain may also occur. Active treatment of heart failure under medical guidance to improve hepatic congestion is recommended; if necessary, medications such as Polyene Phosphatidylcholine Capsules, Hugan Tablets, or Compound Yiganling Capsules may be used as directed.

In daily life, it is recommended to engage in moderate physical activity, maintain sufficient sleep, avoid excessive fatigue, and enhance physical resistance.