[Modern diagnosis and treatment of heart failure].
Chronic heart failure is a prevalent condition associated with high morbidity, high mortality and reduced quality of life. Chronic heart failure is the end-stage of various forms of heart disease. The prognosis is poor, worse than for patients with various forms of cancer. The diagnosis of heart failure is made in the presence of multiple symptoms and signs combined with objective evidence of cardiac dysfunction. Treatment consists of pharmacological as well as non-pharmacological approaches. ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers are the basis of treatment, while diuretics and other medications are given on an individual basis. The aim of treatment is to reduce progression of the underlying disease and to reduce mortality and morbidity.
Gullestad
Lars
L
Medisinsk avdeling, Sykehuset Asker og Baerum, Postboks 83, 1309 Rud. lars.gullestad@broadpark.no
Madsen
Steinar
S
D002908:Chronic Disease; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life