Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) refers to a condition where the heart muscle becomes weak and cannot pump blood efficiently. This form of heart failure, known as systolic heart failure, can result from several causes. Common reasons include blocked arteries or prior heart attacks, which may leave scar tissue on the heart—this is called ischemic heart failure. In other cases, a viral infection can damage the heart muscle, leading to a condition called viral cardiomyopathy.

There is also a type of CHF where the heart’s pumping strength is normal, but it becomes too stiff to relax properly between beats. This is known as diastolic heart failure and can also cause significant symptoms.

Fortunately, outcomes for people diagnosed with CHF have improved greatly thanks to new medications that help strengthen the heart and lower the chances of hospitalization.