While death rates from heart attack and stroke are declining, the death rate from congestive heart failure is rising. That's because the disease mainly affects older adults and more people are living long enough to develop it. In addition, people are surviving other medical problems, such as heart attacks, which increase the risk for congestive heart failure. With congestive heart failure, the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
Less blood leaves the heart, and the blood returning to the heart backs up.
As back pressure builds, fluid from the blood can collect in vital organs, including the lungs and liver. Fluid also can seep into surrounding tissues, causing swelling. Congestive heart failure is often the result of other cardiovascular problems, and treatment may focus on these problems. However, many times underlying causes cannot be corrected. Then treatment focuses on preventing further damage.