Heart failure (HF) affects nearly 6 million Americans, and is the leading cause of hospitalization in people older than 65. Heart failure means that the ticker works less efficiently than normal. Blood- due to various possible causes- moves through the heart and body at a slower rate, and pressure in the heart increases. The ticker, as a result cannot pump enough oxygen and nutrients to meet the body’s needs. The heart’s chambers may respond by stretching to hold more blood to pump through the body or by becoming thick and stiffened, which helps to keep the blood moving, but the heart muscle walls may eventually weaken and become unable to pump as efficiently. The kidneys, as a result may respond by causing the body to retain fluid (water) and salt. The body becomes congested if fluid builds up in the arms, legs, ankles, feet, lungs, or other organs, and congestive heart failure (CHF) is the term used to describe condition. Types of HF include systolic dysfunction or systolic hea