Congestive Heart Failure

Heart failure — sometimes known as congestive heart failure — occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath.

The most common cause of congestive heart failure is coronary artery disease. Risk factors for coronary artery disease include high levels of cholesterol and/or triglyceride in the blood.