Heart failure
Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart muscle struggles to pump enough blood throughout the body, restricting the amount of blood and oxygen that reaches the organs and tissues. In essence, the heart is unable to keep up with its workload.
In the beginning, the heart may compensate by enlarging, increasing its muscle mass, or pumping faster. However, the heart eventually won’t be able to keep up, in which case and individual may begin to experience heart failure symptoms like:
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing when lying down
Weight gain accompanied by swelling in the legs, feet, ankles, or stomach
Excessive coughing
Feelings of weakness or tiredness
Difficulty performing day-to-day activities like walking, going up the stairs, or carrying groceries
Congestive heart failure is a form of heart failure that usually requires medical intervention. However, congestive heart failure and heart failure are often used interchangeably. Although there is no cure for heart failure, medications and a healthy lifestyle can improve symptoms of the condition.