Congestive heart failure (CHF) can be a serious and life-limiting condition, but it is not necessarily always terminal. With proper management and treatment, many people with CHF are able to maintain a good quality of life for many years. However, in some cases, CHF can progress to end-stage heart failure, which is a terminal condition. The prognosis for CHF depends on many factors, including the severity of the condition, the underlying cause, and the patient’s overall health and response to treatment.