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

Though O'Neal dealt with cancer throughout his life, his official cause of death was congestive heart failure. —Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025

Too much can contribute to high blood pressure and fluid retention in people with congestive heart failure. —Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 6 Dec. 2025

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

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