Heart failure is a medical condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to insufficient blood flow to meet the body's needs. This can result from various factors, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or previous heart attacks. Symptoms often include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and ankles. There are two main types of heart failure: systolic heart failure, where the heart's pumping ability is reduced, and diastolic heart failure, where the heart cannot fill properly with blood. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgical interventions to improve heart function.