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heart failure medical definition
noun
- A condition marked by weakness, edema, and shortness of breath that is caused by the inability of the heart to maintain adequate blood circulation in the peripheral tissues and the lungs. Also called cardiac insufficiency, congestive heart failure, myocardial insufficiency.
- The resulting clinical syndrome, consisting of shortness of breath, pitting edema, enlarged tender liver, engorged neck veins, and pulmonary rales.
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