Congestive heart failure (CHF) is increasingly being recognized as a health problem in the United States. It is estimated that the lifetime risk for CHF is 1 in 5. The clinical anesthesiologist can expect to see several cases involving patients suffering from CHF. Because of the danger associated with surgery in a patient with CHF, a thorough knowledge of the disorder and the potential effects on the delivery of anesthetics must be considered. In addition, knowledge of the disease process and its manifestations is required for smooth guidance of the patient through the perioperative period. The understanding of current pharmacotherapies, surgical procedures and their implications related to interactions with anesthetics are all discussed.