It stands for congestive heart failure and is also called “chronic” heart failure at times, but what is it? It sounds impending, and ominous, but with research you’ll find comfort in understanding your diagnosis. Congestive heart failure means that your heart can’t pump blood as well as it should be able to. When the heart has less power to pump blood to the body, this can ultimately damage organs and fluid can collect in the body and lungs.