heart failure

noun

1

: a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood at an adequate rate or in adequate volume

2

: cessation of heartbeat : death

Examples of heart failure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Understanding how cardiac neurons function could lead to new therapies for a range of cardiovascular conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and myocardial infarctions. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

Stair climbing was also associated with lower risks of major cardiovascular conditions, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026

Interest in deprescribing has grown along with the wider phenomenon of polypharmacy, the term for taking multiple medications, in these cases to manage blood pressure, heart failure, obesity, or diabetes in addition to cholesterol. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 11 Aug. 2026

In 2016, after another trip to the emergency room, testing revealed that Kaverman, then 27, was in the early stages of heart failure. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

heart failure

noun

1

: a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood at an adequate rate or in adequate volume compare angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, coronary failure, heart attack

2

: cessation of heartbeat : death