ICD-10: I50Circulatory System DiseasesSevere Severity
Heart failure
Heart failure means your heart is not pumping blood as well as it should to meet your body's needs.
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Heart failure does not mean your heart has stopped beating, which is a common misunderstanding. Instead, it means the heart muscle has become too weak or too stiff to pump blood effectively to the rest of your body.
Because your heart is not pumping properly, blood can back up in your veins and fluid can build up in your lungs, legs, and other tissues. This is a long-term condition that requires ongoing care, but many people live full lives by managing it carefully with their doctor's guidance.
Common Symptoms
- Feeling short of breath during activities or even while lying flat in bed.
- Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet due to fluid buildup.
- Persistent coughing or wheezing that may produce white or pink mucus.
- Feeling very tired or weak throughout the day.
- Needing to urinate frequently at night.
- Sudden weight gain from fluid retention.