heart failure

American  

noun

1. a condition in which the heart fatally ceases to function.

2. 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.

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heart failure British  

noun

1. 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

2. sudden and permanent cessation of the heartbeat, resulting in death

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heart failure Scientific  

1. 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.

2. Also called congestive heart failure

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Etymology

Origin of heart failure

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

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

The progressive condition can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.

From BBC

"This was still a relatively young sample -- everyone was under 65 at last follow-up -- and stroke and heart failure tend to develop later in life," Freedman explained.

From Science Daily