What does CHF stand for in medical terms?

CHF stands for Congestive Heart Failure. This term describes a medical condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and surrounding tissues. The term "congestive" emphasizes the fluid overload aspect of the condition, which manifests as symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swollen legs. Understanding this terminology is crucial in emergency medicine, as CHF is a common presentation in the emergency department and can significantly impact treatment decisions. The other options do not accurately represent the condition recognized in clinical practice, which is specifically termed Congestive Heart Failure.