Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently to the body’s other organs. Heart failure usually is a chronic, long-term condition and may affect the right side, left side, or both sides of the heart. Congestive heart failure should not be confused with "cardiac arrest," in which the heart actually stops beating.

With congestive heart failure, many organs do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, which damages them and reduces their ability to function properly. As the heart’s pumping action is lost, blood may back up into other areas of the body.

About five million Americans suffer from congestive heart failure, and approximately 400,000 new cases are reported annually.

Congestive heart failure may be linked to other conditions, such as anemia and chronic kidney disease. Studies have reported that patients with congestive heart failure who also have anemia — a decreased red blood cell count — fare less well than those with a normal blood count. Heart failure also is often complicated by impaired kidney function and diabetes, which both can lead to anemia.