Heart weakness, often referred to as heart failure (sometimes called congestive heart failure), occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood effectively enough to meet the body's needs. This is a chronic, progressive condition where the heart struggles to perform its essential function of circulating blood throughout the body.
Understanding Heart Failure
The term "heart weakness" is a simplified way of describing the inability of the heart to pump blood efficiently. This reduced pumping capacity leads to several issues:
- Blood Back-up: Blood often backs up in the veins, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs (causing shortness of breath) and in the legs and feet (causing swelling).
- Poor Blood Flow: Inadequate blood flow can result in the skin appearing bluish or gray due to reduced oxygen levels.
- Symptoms: Symptoms can include tiredness, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and feet, a persistent cough, a fast or irregular heart rate, and a need to urinate frequently at night.
Several sources confirm this understanding of heart weakness:
- Mayo Clinic: Defines heart failure as the heart muscle's inability to pump blood effectively. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373142
- American Heart Association: Describes heart failure as a chronic, progressive condition where the heart muscle can't pump enough blood. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/what-is-heart-failure
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI): States that heart failure occurs when the heart can't pump enough blood for the body's needs. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-failure
It's crucial to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment if you suspect heart weakness or experience related symptoms.
