Liver failure happens when a large portion of the heart is damaged. At this point the liver is unable to function. This is a life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Most often, liver failure occurs gradually and over many years. However, a more rare condition known as acute liver failure occurs rapidly (in as little as 48 hours) and can be difficult to detect initially. Common Causes Liver Failure? The most common causes of chronic liver failure (where the liver fails over months to years) include: Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Long-term alcohol consumption Cirrhosis Hemochromatosis (an inherited disorder that causes the body to absorb and store too much iron) Malnutrition The causes of acute liver failure however, are somewhat different and these include: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose Viruses including hepatitis A, B, and C (especially in children) Reactions to certain prescription and herbal medications Ingestion of poisonous wild mushrooms What Are the Symptoms of Liver…