What is Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)?

  • CHF is the ability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to meet the oxygen demands of the tissues.
  • CHF does not mean that your heart is "failing."
  • CHF does mean that your heart is not pumping blood as effectively and efficiently as it should.
  • When the heart's pumping ability is reduced, blood and other fluids may build in the lungs, causing congestion. This makes it hard for you to breathe and may cause fatigue.