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Article: Heart failure.(Pamphlet)
- Article from:
- Pamphlet by: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- Article date:
- April 1, 1994
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1994 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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What is heart failure?
HEART FAILURE OCCURS WHEN the heart loses its ability to pump enough blood through the body. Usually, the loss in pumping action is a symptom of an underlying heart problem, such as coronary artery disease.
The term heart failure suggests a sudden and complete stop of heart activity. But, actually, the heart does not suddenly stop. Rather, heart failure usually develops slowly, often over years, as the heart gradually loses its pumping ability and works less efficiently. Some people may not become aware of their condition until symptoms appear years after their heart began its decline.
How serious the condition is ...