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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
This combined with a stretching of the heart muscle that often happens when someone with kidney disease retains too much water, can lead to heart failure.
—
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025
Alma Elizabeth Meagher, the matriarch of her family who led a Christmas gift and meal donation program, died of heart failure Jan. 28 at Brightview Senior Living in Towson.
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Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 12 Feb. 2025
Meisels, 88, died of heart failure Feb. 1 at her home at the Bickford of St. Charles assisted living and memory care facility in St. Charles, said her niece, Alexandra Adams.
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Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have been slower to pursue addiction indications for the medicines, while running trials proving their cardiovascular benefits, effects on kidney disease, heart failure and sleep apnea.
—
Meg Tirrell, CNN, 12 Feb. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near heart failure
Cite this Entry
“Heart failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heart%20failure. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.
Medical Definition
heart failure
noun1
: 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
More from Merriam-Webster on heart failure
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heart failure
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