Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition that is increasing in incidence and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. The main abnormality that underlies CHF is depressed myocardial function. The resulting decrease in cardiac output activates several peripheral compensatory mechanisms, which may further impair ventricular function and worsen the prognosis. Although systolic dysfunction is the traditional descriptor of CHF, diastolic dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a distinct entity. In prescribing therapy the predominant type of ventricular dysfunction and the peripheral components of the heart failure should be identified. The ultimate aim is to alleviate symptoms, minimize complications and prolong survival. Recent data from two multicentre trials have suggested that vasodilators can achieve these goals. Trials are under way to assess the impact of early vasodilator therapy on CHF.