Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently. Often the result of an underlying heart condition, heart failure can lead to reduced blood flow and fluid buildup in the lungs, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath; fatigue and weakness; chest congestion; and swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. Depending on the cause and severity of heart failure, treatment can include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.
What Is Congestive Heart Failure? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionMedically Reviewed by Anurag Sahu, MD | October 30, 2025
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What’s the most challenging symptom of heart failure for you?
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Can you recover from heart failure?
While heart failure isn’t necessarily reversible, you may be able to manage the condition effectively with lifestyle changes and medication. Work with your doctor to create a treatment plan that can help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What’s the first line of treatment for heart failure?
The first line of treatment for heart failure typically includes medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta-blockers, which work in different ways to reduce blood pressure. With that said, heart failure treatment is tailored to the individual.
How much exercise can you do with heart failure?
People with heart failure often have limited exercise capacity, which may make them fearful of being active. A comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program can provide guidance for the type and amount of exercise a person with heart failure should be doing.
What’s the life expectancy of a person with heart failure?
Life expectancy with heart failure varies significantly based on the underlying condition causing heart failure, its severity, how well a person follows and responds to their treatment plan, age, gender, lifestyle factors, and the presence of any other health conditions.
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Chung Yoon, MD, is a noninvasive cardiologist with a passion for diagnosis, prevention, intervention, and treatment of a wide range of heart and cardiovascular disorders. He enjoys...
Anurag Sahu, MD, is the director of the adult congenital heart program at Inova Health System in Fairfax, Virginia. Previously, he was an associate professor of medicine as well as...
Michael Cutler, DO, PhD, is a cardiac electrophysiologist at Intermountain Heart Rhythm Specialists in Salt Lake City, Utah. His research interests include understanding the cellul...
Alex Dimitriu, MD, is dual board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. He helps his patients optimize peak performance by day and peak restorative sleep by night, and he brin...
Kayli Anderson has over a decade of experience in nutrition, culinary education, and lifestyle medicine. She believes that eating well should be simple, pleasurable, and sustainabl...
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