Heart failure is a medical condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It occurs when the heart muscle is weakened or damaged, making it difficult for the heart to effectively pump blood throughout the body.
There are two types of heart failure: systolic heart failure and diastolic heart failure. Systolic heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to contract strongly enough to pump blood throughout the body. Diastolic heart failure occurs when the heart is stiff and cannot relax properly between contractions, making it difficult for the heart to fill with blood.
Symptoms of heart failure can include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the ankles, legs, or abdomen, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. Treatment for heart failure may include lifestyle changes, medication, and in severe cases, surgery or heart transplant.
