What is congestive heart failure?

Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. This impairment can occur due to various underlying issues such as weakened heart muscle, stiffening of the heart, or other cardiovascular diseases. As a result, blood can back up in the veins, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other tissues, which is characteristic of congestion.

Individuals with congestive heart failure may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention, but the key aspect of this condition is the heart's reduced ability to pump blood efficiently. This inefficiency can stem from a variety of conditions, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathy.

Understanding congestive heart failure is crucial for medical professionals, as it impacts treatment decisions and patient management strategies. The other options, while related to heart function, do not accurately define congestive heart failure. For instance, an increased heart rate may occur as a compensatory mechanism, blockage is more indicative of conditions like coronary artery disease, and an enlarged heart without symptoms may not reflect dysfunction in pumping ability.