What is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently.
Step 2: This inefficiency leads to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary congestion) and other parts of the body.
Step 3: Cardiomyopathy is a broad term for diseases that affect the heart muscle but may not necessarily result in heart failure.
Step 4: Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, not directly related to heart pumping efficiency.
Step 5: Aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve narrows, affecting blood flow from the heart but not necessarily leading to heart failure.