What is congestive heart failure (CHF)?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) refers to a chronic condition in which the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is significantly compromised. This impaired pumping action leads to various symptoms, including fluid accumulation in the lungs and other parts of the body, as the heart struggles to meet the body's demands for blood and oxygen.

In people with CHF, the heart may not be able to fill with enough blood or pump out enough blood to support the body's needs, resulting in fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling. Over time, this condition can progress and require ongoing management, which includes lifestyle modifications and medications to help ease symptoms and improve the quality of life.

Understanding that CHF is a chronic state emphasizes the long-term nature of the condition, distinguishing it from other temporary or acute events that may not impact the heart's function in the same way. This highlights the importance of recognizing CHF as a serious health condition that requires medical intervention and careful treatment planning.