What condition is defined as the heart's inability to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs?

Heart failure is characterized by the heart's inability to pump an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic demands. This condition can arise from various underlying issues, such as weakened heart muscle from previous heart attacks, prolonged high blood pressure, or valve problems, among others. The hallmark of heart failure is the resultant inadequate perfusion of tissues, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention.

While myocardial infarction refers specifically to the damage to heart muscle due to reduced blood flow, or coronary artery disease refers to the narrowing of the coronary arteries that can lead to ischemia, heart failure encompasses a broader spectrum of symptoms and complexities. Cardiac output is a measure of the blood the heart pumps in a given time and is often reduced in heart failure, but it is not a condition itself. Therefore, the correct identification of heart failure emphasizes its role as a syndrome where the heart's pumping capacity is compromised, ultimately affecting the entire body.