Heart failure burden and therapy.
Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome with a broad spectrum of heterogeneous symptoms and signs resulting in a wide range of clinical expressions. The prevalence of HF is estimated to be 1-2% in developed countries, increasing with age. Heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization for patients older than 65 years, raising concerns about the economic burden of this syndrome. This article provides a critical review of epidemiological and clinical aspects for HF; causes, comorbidities, and types of HF are also described. The systolic vs. diastolic, the acute vs. chronic approaches, and the connections between HF and left bundle branch block or atrial fibrillation are further detailed. In addition, a synthesis of the latest results and recommendations concerning the indication and the prescription of pharmacological (such as diuretics or rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors) and non-pharmacological treatments (particularly device therapy) is proposed.
Zannad
Faiez
F
Departement of Cardiology, INSERM, CIC9501 and U961, CHU Nancy, Hypertension and Heart Failure Unit, CHU, Nancy Université, 54500 Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France. f.zannad@chu-nancy.fr
Agrinier
Nelly
N
Alla
François
F
D017281:Cost of Illness; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis
D004232:Diuretics