Heart failure happens when your heart cannot pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. It usually develops gradually, over time. Your kidneys respond by retaining water and salt, which causes swelling in your arms, legs, feet, lungs and other organs. This leads to congestion, which is why it’s also known as congestive heart failure

Heart failure is caused by coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart valve disease, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy and heart defects — any condition that damages your heart. Lung disease, smoking, obesity and other conditions can also lead to heart failure.