By Melinda Smith
Washington, D.C.
19 February 2008

Congestive heart failure is diagnosed when a weakened heart fails to pump blood adequately and fluid builds up in the lungs and elsewhere in the body.  But a diagnosis of congestive heart failure does not always mean the worst.  While there is no cure, many patients with this form of heart disease can improve. VOA's Melinda Smith has the story of one woman who is thriving because of a new device that helps her heart work more efficiently.