heart failure
Americannoun
-
a condition in which the heart fatally ceases to function.
-
Also called congestive heart failure. a condition in which the heart fails to pump adequate amounts of blood to the tissues, resulting in accumulation of blood returning to the heart from the veins, and often accompanied by distension of the ventricles, edema, and shortness of breath.
noun
-
a condition in which the heart is unable to pump an adequate amount of blood to the tissues, usually resulting in breathlessness, swollen ankles, etc
-
sudden and permanent cessation of the heartbeat, resulting in death
-
An acute or chronic inability of the heart to maintain adequate blood circulation to the peripheral tissues and the lungs, usually characterized by fatigue, edema, and shortness of breath. Heart failure has many causes, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and cardiomyopathy.
-
Also called congestive heart failure
Etymology
Origin of heart failure
First recorded in 1890–95
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In one study, mice that received Y-deficient blood cells developed more age-related conditions, including reduced heart function and eventual heart failure.
From Science Daily
Future studies are needed to explore how visceral fat and inflammation affect specific subtypes of heart failure and whether reducing inflammation could help lower risk.
From Science Daily
Researchers expect increases across every major category of cardiovascular disease in women, including heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and stroke.
From Science Daily
Through an abnormal valve, excessive blood also flows to the lungs, which can cause heart failure.
From BBC
He was first admitted to hospital in June 2021 following a fall and was diagnosed with heart failure.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.