Congestive heart failure is a common type of heart disease.
Any damage to the heart that reduces the efficiency of blood pumping can cause congestive heart failure (CHF). Low cardiac output of blood alters cardiovascular system and kidney function, resulting in excess fluid retention in the body. Fluid accumulation in the lungs can cause reduced respiratory system function and shortness of breath. Millions of heart failure patients are treated for CHF each year.
One of the early treatments for CHF was administration of cardiac glycosides.