Managing congestive heart failure.
Congestive heart failure, a constellation of signs and symptoms that result from the heart's inability to provide sufficient oxygenated blood to metabolizing tissues, is a major cause for concern in the elderly. The prognosis is ominous, with a 10% per year mortality rate after the initial CHF episode, and a 30 to 60% per year rate for patients who remain symptomatic despite digitalis and diuretic treatment. Common etiologies in CHF are discussed, and a case history illustrating CHF symptomatology is provided. The role of diuretics, digitalis, ACE-inhibitors, and other pharmacologic agents is reviewed and updated, and the value of patient education is discussed.
Jessup
M
M
Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004071:Digitalis Glycosides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D004071:Digitalis Glycosides; D004232:Diuretics