What condition occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood due to pathologic changes?

Congestive heart failure is a condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This results from various pathological changes, which can include impaired cardiac muscle function, changes in heart size and shape, and alterations in the stiffness of heart tissue. In congestive heart failure, the heart may not fill adequately during diastole (the relaxation phase) or may not contract effectively during systole (the contraction phase), leading to insufficient blood flow and congestion in various tissues, particularly in the lungs and limbs.

This condition can arise from numerous underlying problems, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, or valvular heart disease, and leads to a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid accumulation. Treating congestive heart failure often involves managing the underlying causes and using medication to improve heart function and alleviate symptoms.

In contrast, the other conditions listed do not primarily focus on the heart's failure to pump blood effectively. Aortic regurgitation is related to valve dysfunction, hypertensive heart disease involves the heart's response to long-standing high blood pressure, and peripheral artery disease pertains to issues in blood flow to the extremities due to arterial blockages.