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Heart Failure

By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: February 19, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition:

The inability of the heart to maintain proper blood flow. The heart pumps out blood, but not fast enough. A back-up happens. The fluid has to go somewhere, so the lungs, legs, and tissues absorb it. This causes swelling and shortness of breath. People with untreated high blood pressure are twice as likely to have heart failure.

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