Congestive heart failure

Abstract

Congestive heart failure occurs when a failing heart causes congestion of the pulmonary or systemic circulation, or both. In heart failure the heart muscle is unable to pump blood vital to metabolizing tissue, or can do so only when filling pressures are abnormally elevated. Although trauma is rarely a direct cause of congestive heart failure, it can aggravate or accelerate disease processes that contribute to heart failure. In recent years, scientific knowledge about the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of congestive heart failure have improved to the point where most cases can be treated medically.