Congestive heart failure (CHF), also known as heart failure, is a long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump blood well enough to meet the bodys needs. It is caused by many conditions that damage the heart muscle, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. CHF can be classified into different stages based on the severity of the condition:

• Stage A: People at high risk of developing CHF due to conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

• Stage B: People who have developed structural heart problems, such as a weakened heart muscle or damaged heart valves, but have not yet developed symptoms.

• Stage C: People who have developed symptoms of CHF, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and ankles.

• Stage D: People who have severe symptoms of CHF despite receiving treatment.

There are different types of CHF, including heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) . HFrEF occurs when the heart muscle is weak and cannot pump blood effectively, while HFpEF occurs when the heart muscle is stiff and cannot relax or fill fully.

Treatment for CHF depends on the stage and type of the condition. It may include lifestyle changes, such as a low-sodium diet and regular exercise, medications to improve heart function, and in severe cases, surgery or heart transplant. It is important to manage CHF to prevent complications such as kidney or liver damage, breathing problems, and arrhythmias.