Chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common yet devastating syndrome. CHF is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and other industrialized countries. The incidence and prevalence of CHF is increasing, placing a growing burden on the health care system. Patients suffering from CHF report a poor quality of life because of physical symptoms, functional disability, emotional and economic burdens, frequent hospitalizations, and poor prognosis. Nurses play a key role in the identification of strategies for effective management of CHF.