Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart is not strong enough to pump blood efficiently around the body, causing fluid to collect in the lungs and body tissue, which leads to congestion.
Heart failure becomes increasingly common with age.
Congestive heart failure does not mean that the heart stops. It is a long-term condition that can be kept under control for many years with medication and lifestyle changes.
Blood
Blood supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. It is pumped around the body by the heart.
Lungs
Lungs are a pair of organs in the chest that control breathing. They remove carbon dioxide from the blood and replace it with oxygen.
Tissue
Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.
Congestion
Congestion is an excess of fluid in part of the body, often causing a blockage.
Last updated: 04 October 2011
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