congestive heart failure

noun

: heart failure in which the heart is unable to maintain an adequate circulation of blood in the bodily tissues or to pump out the venous blood returned to it by the veins

Examples of congestive heart failure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But congestive heart failure refers to a specific type of heart failure that includes a buildup of fluids (congestion) throughout the body. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 2 Jan. 2025

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office has determined Amos died of congestive heart failure. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2024

Bennett’s father, David Bennett Sr., had severe congestive heart failure and wasn’t a candidate for a human transplant. —Aria Bendix, NBC News, 30 Aug. 2024

Leg cramps can be an early symptom of congestive heart failure when blood backs up into the blood vessels and can't reach the leg muscles effectively. —Sarah Hudgens, Health, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

congestive heart failure

noun

con·​ges·​tive heart failure

kən-ˈjes-tiv-

: heart failure in which the heart is unable to keep enough blood circulating in the tissues or is unable to pump out the blood returned to it by the veins

Medical Definition

congestive heart failure

noun

: heart failure in which the heart is unable to maintain adequate circulation of blood in the tissues of the body or to pump out the venous blood returned to it by the venous circulation compare coronary failure