Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when the heart does not pump blood as well as it should to meet the body's oxygen needs. CHF will often develop after other conditions have weakened the heart, or when the chambers of the heart become stiff and fail to fill and/or pump blood properly. The term "congestive" relates to improperly pumped blood backing up into the lungs, liver, abdomen and lower extremities.

Symptoms of heart failure can range from not present to mild to severe. They may be constant or irregular, and are due to changes that occur in the heart and body, including:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing during exercise, at rest, or when lying flat in bed
• Swollen ankles, legs and abdomen, and weight gain
• Increased need to urinate while resting at night
• Fatigue and weakness during exercise or activities
• Dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating or fainting
• Rapid or irregular heartbeats (palpitations)
• Other symptoms include a feeling of fullness (bloating) in your stomach, loss of appetite or nausea