What does it mean if a person has heart failure?

If a person has heart failure, it means that their heart is not able to pump blood effectively enough to meet the body's needs. This can happen when the heart muscle is weakened or damaged by conditions such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or a heart attack. As a result, the body may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and ankles, and chest pain. Severe cases of heart failure can be life-threatening and may require surgery or other interventions to improve heart function.