Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when fluid builds up around the heart which leads to the inefficient pumping of the heart muscles. When this happens, blood can back up inside the lungs, liver, abdomen, and lower parts of the body. CHF may be right-sided (affects the right ventricle), left-sided (affects the left ventricle), or both. The major causes include hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart valve conditions, diabetes, thyroid complications, and obesity. The main symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue after performing minor physical activities. This condition is normally treated by the administration of diuretics (also called "water pills").