Heart failure means the heart is not pumping or filling as well as the body needs. It does not mean the heart has stopped, but it does mean the heart is struggling.
Common symptoms
Symptoms can include shortness of breath, swelling in the legs or belly, fatigue, rapid weight gain from fluid, coughing when lying down, or reduced ability to exercise.
Common causes
Heart failure can follow heart attack, long-term high blood pressure, valve disease, cardiomyopathy, heart rhythm problems, diabetes, kidney disease, or other conditions.
Sudden severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or blue lips should be treated as urgent.