What is

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.

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