Heart failure is when the heart can’t pump blood the way it should. If that happens, blood and oxygen can’t get to the organs. Treatment can help with heart failure and sometimes cure it completely.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is when blood backs up (gets “congested) in the heart. This leads to fluid buildup in the lungs and body.
The heart has four chambers, a left atrium and right atrium and a left ventricle and right ventricle. Normally, blood:
But in heart failure, the heart can’t pump the way it should. The blood and oxygen don’t get to the organs. And blood backs up in the heart.
If blood backs up in the heart, there’s no room for the blood that’s returning from the body and lungs. So that blood stays in the blood vessels. Some fluids from the blood leak out into the tissues. This leads to swelling in the legs and ankles (called edema) and fluid in the lungs (called pulmonary edema).
CHF in children usually happens because:
In its early stages, congestive heart failure might not cause any symptoms. As it gets worse, it can make a child:
To diagnose CHF, doctors do an exam and run tests such as:
To treat CHF, doctors give medicines to:
Some kids might need a pacemaker to help their heart beat at the right rate. Doctors do surgery to place this small device under the child’s skin and muscle. It uses electrical impulses to control the speed and rhythm of the heartbeat.
If heart failure keeps getting worse, doctors can use one of these until the child gets better:
Sometimes, treating the cause of the CHF (such as surgery to fix a congenital heart defect) cures the heart failure.
If your child has congestive heart failure, it can feel overwhelming. Learn as much as you can about the condition, its cause, and its treatments. This will help you work with the care team and better help your child cope. Be sure to ask when you have questions.
To find support, talk to anyone on the care team. Resources are available to help you and your child. You can also learn more online at:
You play a big role in your child's treatment. Keep a record of:
Reviewed by: Amy W. Anzilotti, MD
Date Reviewed: 01-09-2021