
Heart Failure Doesn’t Mean It’s Flunking Out
By: Kathy Hubbard. The term “heart failure” sounds as if the heart has stopped working. Although it’s a serious condition and requires timely medical attention, the words actually mean that the heart isn’t able to keep up with its workload resulting in the body not getting as much oxygen as it needs. The American Heart Association explains, “Your body depends on the heart’s pumping action to deliver oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the body’s cells. With heart failure, the weakened heart can’t supply the cells with enough blood. This results in fatigue and shortness of breath, and some people experience excessive coughing. Everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying groceries can become very difficult.”