Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle does not pump blood like it should. Certain conditions, such as narrowed arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure, gradually leave the heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump properly. Heart failure can be constant (chronic) or it can start suddenly (acute).

Some of the signs and symptoms of heart failure may include the following: respiratory distress, fatigue, swelling (edema) of the lower limbs, rapid or irregular heartbeat, decreased ability to exercise, need to urinate at night, swelling of the abdomen (ascites), lack of appetite, nausea, etc.