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

Kaylin has also been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, which has led to congestive heart failure, two brain surgeries and significant weight gain. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026

The county said these diagnostic services will help cardiologists diagnose and treat conditions like congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, aortic aneurysms, heart rhythm disorders and valvular heart disease. —Grace Hase, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026

At 59, Martha Perez also had diabetes and congestive heart failure. —Kaley Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 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

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