Congestive heart failure is also called CHF or heart failure. It occurs when the heart muscle is weak and has trouble pumping out blood. Fluid collects in the lungs or other parts of the body because the heart is not pumping as well as it should. This causes your body to not get enough oxygen-rich blood to keep you healthy and strong. CHF does not start suddenly but slowly gets worse over time.
Heart failure is more common in older people.
Other causes may be heart valve problems, a heart infection, or heart muscle disease. Or you may feel restless, tired, or weak. You may gain weight, not want to eat, or have a dry cough that does not go away. You may need to shorten your work day and learn how to control stress. You may also need to stay indoors during hot or cold weather because this causes your heart to work harder.