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Heart failure means that your heart muscle doesn't pump as much blood as your body needs. In time, this causes fluid to build up in your body, and you have symptoms like swelling in the legs and feeling out of breath and weak.
Heart failure usually gets worse over time. But treatment can slow the disease, help you feel better, and help keep you out of the hospital. Treatment may also help you live longer.
Current as of: June 24, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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