Congestive heart failure can occur by resulting left or right heart failure. When left heart failure occurs, the left ventricle cannot empty and incoming blood from the lungs accumulates in the lungs and left atrium.
Pressure is built up due to lack of circulation and can cause fluid to leak into the lung tissue.
This is called pulmonary congestion. Right heart failure commonly succeeds left heart failure and blood circulation to vital organs is significantly lessened. This is especially detrimental to the function of the kidneys because too much salt and water are retained by the body and other tissues and organs become congested as a result. Most commonly leg and ankle swelling is seen, as well as neck-vein distention. In general cases, congestive heart failure is treated with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, digoxin, and beta blockers.