Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a disorder of the cardiovascular system that may affect 1% of the population over the age of 50 and increases to 10% over the age of 80. With this disorder the heart is unable to contract effectively enough to supply the body’s tissue adequately to meet metabolic and oxygen needs. Lack of adequate contractility of the heart can cause volume overload in the interstitial and intravascular spaces of the body tissue and poor tissue perfusion occurs. CHF may affect the left or right side of the heart, in some cases even both. The underlying cause of CHF will determine prognosis and treatment options. An individual with CHF will have difficulties with exercise tolerance, changes in quality of life, and in some cases
