Congestive heart failure

congestive heart failure

n. Abbr. CHF

See heart failure.

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Congestive heart failure

A condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to supply the body's tissues with sufficient oxygen and nutrients; back up of blood in vessels and the lungs causes buildup of fluid (congestion) in the tissues.

Mentioned in: Cardiomyopathy, Endocarditis, Heart Failure

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congestive heart failure,

n inability of the heart to sustain sufficient blood circulation in the lungs and tissues; condition characterized by shortness of breath, weakness, and edema.

Congestive heart failure.

Stage	Symptoms
Stage I	Patient is symptom-free at rest and with treatment
Stage II	Patient experiences impaired heart function with moderate physical effort. Shortness of breath with exertion is common. There are no symptoms at rest
Stage III	Even minor physical exertion results in shortness of breath and fatigue. There are no symptoms at rest
Stage IV	Symptoms such as shortness of breath and signs such as lower extremity edema are present when the patient is at rest

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congestive heart failure (knjes´tiv),

n an abnormal condition characterized by circulatory congestion (retention of fluids) caused by cardiac or kidney disorders. It usually develops chronically in association with the retention of sodium and water by the kidneys. The acute form may result from myocardial infarction of the left ventricle.