title: [Congestive heart failure--etiology and diagnostic procedures].
abstract: Congestive heart failure is a major health problem in the western world and the prevalence of patients with this diagnosis increases. About 2% of the adult population are affected; the majority are elderly, which represents a challenge when it comes to assessment and treatment. This article concerns the aetiology and diagnosis of congestive heart failure and provides a suggestion for guidelines. The proposed guidelines are aimed at primary, secondary and third line health care providers in Norway, and are based on previously published Norwegian guidelines and international guidelines. Hypertension and coronary artery disease account for 75-80% of known cases of congestive heart failure. The patient's history and risk factors must be investigated. Laboratory tests emphasising organ functions are important, and these should include measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Electrocardiograms and chest X-rays should be taken as well. All patients with suspected impaired left ventricular ejection fraction should undergo an echocardiographic examination. Invasive tests, and non-invasive imaging should be used for selected groups of patients only.
authors.affiliation: Hjertemedisinsk avdeling, Rikshospitalet, 0027 Oslo. marit.aarones@rikshospitalet.no
authors.forename: Marit
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aarønaes
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Atar
authors.forename: Vernon
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bonarjee
authors.forename: Torstein
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gundersen
authors.forename: Maja-Lisa
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Løchen
authors.forename: Rune
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mo
authors.forename: Eivind S P
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Myhre
authors.forename: Torbjørn
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Omland
authors.forename: Per K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Rønnevik
authors.forename: Johnny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vegsundvåg
authors.forename: Arne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Westheim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D004452:Echocardiography; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006334:Heart Function Tests; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers