CHF is a condition in which the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the rest of the body. Heart failure is almost always a chronic, long-term condition, although it can sometimes develop suddenly. This condition may affect the right side, left side, or both sides of the heart. Characteristics  of this condition are as follows:

• CHF is a chronic condition in which the heart doesn’t pump blood as well as it should.
• Your heart has become too weak or too stiff to pump out enough blood to meet your body’s needs.
• It is not the same as a heart attack. Not all people with heart failure have had heart attacks. Heart attacks are due to blockages in the blood vessels which feed the heart.
• It does not mean your heart is “stopping.” You can live with heart failure for a long time, but it is a serious disease that can affect your quality of life and how long you live.

Signs & Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

• Weight gain of 3-5 lbs. or more within a week
• Increased difficulty breathing
• Cough that won’t go away, especially at night
• Dizziness or fainting
• Sudden vision changes, including seeing greenish/yellow circles around objects