Congestive Heart Failure

(CHF)—A potentially lethal condition produced by a heart attack, poorly controlled hypertension, or cardiomyopathy. If the left chambers of the heart fail, then blood backs up into the lungs, causing congestion there. If the right chambers of the heart fail, then blood backs up into the legs and the liver, causing congestion and swelling (called edema). Often, both sides fail simultaneously. Most forms of heart disease, including valvular and pericardial disease, eventually lead to congestive heart failure. Some forms of congestive heart disease damage the blood vessels causing "cor pulmonale."