What is heart failure?

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to adequately meet all of the body's needs, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. It is a serious condition that requires professional medical assistance.

Although the term can sound frightening, heart failure does not mean that the heart has completely stopped working, according to Cleveland Clinic. Instead, it means that the pumping action of the heart has grown weaker. This can occur on both sides or just the right side of the heart.

As of March 2015, over 5 million patients in the United States have heart failure, states the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.