Understanding Heart Failure: What It Is and What It Isn't

Heart failure does not mean that your heart has stopped beating. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It is a progressive condition that can worsen over time, but it does not mean that the heart will stop working completely.

Symptoms of Heart failure may include:

* Shortness of breath

* Fatigue

* Swelling in the feet, ankles, and abdomen

* Weight gain

* Chest pain

* **Lightheadedness or dizziness

* Rapid or irregular heartbeat

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Heart failure can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery.