Heart unable to pump blood efficiently. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Heart Failure
Heart unable to pump blood efficiently
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle becomes too weak or stiff to pump blood effectively.
It is a chronic, progressive condition that requires lifelong management.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
Assessment may include symptom timing, exertion triggers, family history, blood pressure, pulse, heart and lung examination, medicines and risk factors. Tests such as ECG, blood testing, imaging or monitoring may be selected when needed.
Care may include risk-factor management, medicines, procedure referral or follow-up testing depending on the diagnosis. Ask what each option is meant to prevent or control and how progress will be reviewed.
When to seek prompt care
Call emergency services for chest pain or pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, stroke symptoms, a very fast or irregular pulse with collapse, or symptoms that feel sudden or severe.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in legs and ankles
- Rapid heartbeat
- Persistent cough
Possible causes
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Heart valve disease
- Cardiomyopathy
Care and treatment options
- Medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers)
- Lifestyle changes
- Implantable devices
- Surgery
- Heart transplant (severe cases)
Key points
- Affects 6.2 million Americans
- Leading cause of hospitalization
- Chronic progressive condition
- Quality of life can be improved
Preparing for a consultation
- Current blood pressure readings and medicine list.
- When symptoms occur and what relieves or worsens them.
- Family history of early heart disease or stroke.
- Past tests, hospital records and risk factors such as diabetes or smoking.
Questions worth asking
- Is Heart Failure the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Related tests
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Heart Failure?
Heart unable to pump blood efficiently This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Heart Failure?
Assessment may include symptom timing, exertion triggers, family history, blood pressure, pulse, heart and lung examination, medicines and risk factors. Tests such as ECG, blood testing, imaging or monitoring may be selected when needed.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers), Lifestyle changes, Implantable devices, Surgery. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Heart Failure be checked urgently?
Call emergency services for chest pain or pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, stroke symptoms, a very fast or irregular pulse with collapse, or symptoms that feel sudden or severe.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Current blood pressure readings and medicine list. When symptoms occur and what relieves or worsens them. Family history of early heart disease or stroke. Past tests, hospital records and risk factors such as diabetes or smoking. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Heart Failure can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.