Heart Failure
Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart muscle becomes weakened or damaged and cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs. This results in inadequate blood flow to vital organs and leads to a buildup of fluid in the lungs, legs, and other parts of the body. It is not the same as a heart attack, but it may occur as a consequence of heart damage from a previous heart attack or other heart conditions.
Heart failure can affect either the left side, right side, or both sides of the heart. Most commonly, the left ventricle is affected. If the left side fails, it results in a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary congestion), causing shortness of breath. If the right side fails, fluid builds up in the abdomen, legs, and feet (peripheral edema). Heart failure can be categorized as systolic heart failure, where the heart can't pump effectively, or diastolic heart failure, where the heart can't fill properly.
Common causes of heart failure include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, heart valve disease, and arrhythmias. Symptoms vary but typically include fatigue, shortness of breath (especially during exertion or when lying down), swelling in the legs and ankles, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and persistent coughing or wheezing.