Congestive heart failure (CHF) is an important clinical syndrome. Evidence from several observational studies suggests sex-related differences in the incidence and prognosis of CHF, particularly in the setting of coronary artery disease. Women appear to be more prone than men to develop heart failure late after myocardial infarction as well as in the peri-infarction period. Additionally, diabetes mellitus appears to promote heart failure to a greater extent in women than in men.