Is it normal for a person with congestive heart failure to have a heart rate of 122?

Expected: But not normal, the heart is struggling.

Incomplete therapy: In congestive heart failure, there is activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is a contributor to tachycardia. The reflexes that lead to this are complex. Simplistically, though, this is a sign that you need additional therapy. Outcomes are best in people who are on beta-blockers, typically Carvedilol or metoprolol, which have the additional affect of slowing heart rate.