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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the University of Utah, scientists used a new gene therapy that was shown to reverse the effects of heart failure in a large animal study. Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 11 Dec. 2024 Key Takeaways Sugary drinks were tied to a higher risk of stroke, heart failure, aneurysms, and atrial fibrillation in a new study. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Dec. 2024 Common symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, trouble breathing when lying down, and swelling of the extremities and stomach.7 Muscle cramping is another symptom—specifically leg cramps that come on at night, known as nocturnal leg cramps. Laura Schober, Health, 8 Dec. 2024 Diastolic heart failure, which is when the ventricles cannot relax and fill with blood well between heartbeats. Rafle Fernandez, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for heart failure 

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heart failure was in 1574

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 26 Dec. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on heart failure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!