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

Taurine is typically used for congestive heart failure and hepatitis, but lately some beverage companies have been promoting energy drinks infused with taurine, marketed as a boost for athletes. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

Joan Clancy, DeJohnette’s assistant, confirmed the musician’s death to Rolling Stone, adding that the cause was congestive heart failure. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025

And while no specific cause of his passing was given, outlets recalled his previous openness about battling congestive heart failure. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 15 Oct. 2025

Tramadol can have serious side effects, including cardiac events such as chest pain, heart disease or congestive heart failure, according to the study. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025

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