The present invention relates to a method of treating congestive heart failure (CHF) in a subject comprising administering a peptide derived from atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) prohormone (eg vessel dilator VSDL) or a mimetic thereof. In a particular application, the invention provides a method of treating the particular indication known as acute decompensated congestive heart failure (ADCHF). Devices for intravenous or subcutaneous infusion for use in the method of the invention are also disclosed.