Organs affected by heart failure. Computer artwork depicting a standing human form and the major body organs affected by heart failure. The heart (at centre) is between the lungs (blue). The liver is below the heart, while two kidneys are below the liver. The brain is visible in the head. Heart failure is an inability of the heart to pump blood sufficiently to the lungs and rest of the body. Lungs may congest with fluid (pulmonary oedema); the liver may enlarge due to back pressure in blood circulation; kidney failure may occur. The heart and brain are both sites of haemorrhage or clot formation due to heart and arterial disease. There are many causes of heart failure.