heart failure

noun

Definition of heart failure

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

The cause was heart failure, according to his son, Trevor. — Sam Roberts, BostonGlobe.com, "Dr. Kenneth A. Forde, fostered cancer testing, dies at 85," 19 June 2019 His death was announced by his son Zorawar Kalra, a leading Indian restaurateur, who said the cause was heart failure. — New York Times, "Jiggs Kalra, Food Writer Who Elevated Indian Fine Dining, Dies at 72," 12 June 2019 Murphy, who competed in the Derby 11 times — winning in 1884, 1890 and 1891 — died of heart failure in 1896. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column One: In a neglected cemetery lie black jockeys who helped create the Kentucky Derby," 2 May 2019 Those with end-stage heart failure, or legs without blood flow, writhe in bed, unable to find a moment of respite. — Jason Han, Philly.com, "What women in crisis taught these doctors about empathy," 6 July 2018 Though Elvis's actual cause of death appears to have been heart failure, the cardiac incident is now considered to be a result of the rock star's longstanding and serious drug abuse. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "Inside the Enduring Mysteries of Elvis Presley's Death," 16 Mar. 2019 His daughter, Jenny Abel, said the cause was complications of cancer and heart failure. — Margalit Fox, The Seattle Times, "Alan Abel, hoaxer extraordinaire, is (on good authority) dead at 94," 18 Sep. 2018 Boyd had a number of medical problems, including heart failure, kidney failure and liver problems. — kansascity, "In memoriam through June 15: Civil rights activist Dorothy Cotton, Neal Boyd of ‘AGT’," 15 June 2018 Prior to his death, Boyd had been dealing with several medical issues, including heart failure, kidney failure and liver problems, Amick said. — Eileen Reslen, Country Living, "'America's Got Talent' Season 3 Winner Neal E. Boyd Dies at Age 42," 11 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'heart failure.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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25 Jun 2019

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The first known use of heart failure was in 1574

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heart failure

noun

Medical Definition of heart failure

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