Overview

Definition

Heart failure (also called congestive heart failure or CHF) is a condition in which the heart does not deliver enough blood to the organs to supply their need for oxygen. The heart still beats, but does not pump blood as well as the healthy heart due to damaged heart muscle, valves or both.

Complications

The heart may not contract effectively (systolic dysfunction) or not fill completely (diastolic dysfunction). In either case, the body does not receive enough blood and the tissues lack the oxygen they need to function normally.

When the right side of the heart fails, blood builds up in leg veins, leading to fluid leakage into the tissues (edema). Shoes may no longer fit. Weight gain occurs, sometimes suddenly, if fluid accumulates in the legs and even the abdomen.

Left-sided heart failure results in fluid build-up in the lungs. You may not even notice slow fluid build-up, until severe shortness of breath results. This is pulmonary edema and is a medical emergency.

Prognosis

Many people live a long time with heart failure by making necessary lifestyle changes and taking medications. Your doctor may want to see you regularly. It's very important to follow your doctor's treatment plan when you have heart failure.

More on Congestive Heart Failure

	Facts About Congestive Heart Failure
	Risk Factors for Congestive Heart Failure

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.