title: Heart Failure: A Primer.
abstract: Heart failure is a complex and multisystem clinical syndrome that results from impaired ventricular contractility and/or relaxation. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease are common antecedents to heart failure. The main pathogenic mechanisms involved in heart failure include sympathetic nervous and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation, as well as inflammation. A detailed history and physical examination and additional diagnostic tests may be needed to diagnose heart failure. Most treatment strategies target neurohormonal systems. Nonpharmacologic interventions and effective engagement in self-care are also important in overall heart failure management. Therapeutic strategies are geared toward prolonging life and optimizing quality of life.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Mail Code: SN-2N, 3455 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR 97239-2941, USA. Electronic address: leechri@ohsu.edu.
authors.forename: Christopher S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Mail Code: SN-2N, 3455 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR 97239-2941, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Auld
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System; D012648:Self Care; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
keywords: Congestive heart failure; Heart failure; Pathophysiology; Self-management