This article summarizes briefly some factors responsible for edema in chronic congestive heart failure. It is now generally thought that so-called 'backward failure' is a manifestation of diastolic dysfunction, while systolic 'pump failure' is a disease that depends on two key factors: an inadequate cardiac output, and renal salt and water retention. The key elements involved in what might be termed the 'integrated volume response' are hemodynamic and renal factors. The hemodynamic factors include vasoconstriction, tachycardia and a reduced venous capacitance. These responses occur within minutes, while salt and water retention occurs over days to weeks. The key renal elements modulating sodium retention in congestive heart failure include, at a minimum, four variables. First, there is a reduction in renal blood flow produced by the almost simultaneous operation of alpha- and beta-catecholamines, antidiuretic hormone, the endothelins, and angiotensin II. Second, activation of the tubuloglomerular feedback system enhances intrarenal angiotensin II release, which augments proximal sodium absorption. In addition, beta-catechols also enhance proximal sodium absorption. A third key element involved in renal sodium retention is activation of apical sodium channels, ENaC, of principal cells in the cortical collecting tubule by aldosterone and by vasopressin. Finally, the inner medullary collecting duct becomes resistant to the action of atrial natriuretic peptide, thus adding a final dimension to the syndrome of sodium retention in underfilling.