heart failure

Heart failure is characterized by fluid retention, fatigue, and breathlessness.

It is triggered by cardiac dysfunction, leading to hemodynamic, neurohormonal, and immunological changes.

Coronary artery disease is the main driver in the developed world.

Degenerative valve disease is becoming a more important cause as the population ages.

In the last two decades, heart failure management has improved significantly due to numerous randomized studies, resulting in better survival rates.

This progress stems from a deeper understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and the recognition that aggressively stimulating a failing heart is often counterproductive in the immediate term.

Better outcomes are achieved when neurohormonal activation is blocked. Additionally, electrical therapies using implanted devices have transformed the outlook for some patients.

Patient monitoring has become more sophisticated, with individuals taking a more active role in managing their condition.

Improving access to these advances will remain a challenge for healthcare systems, particularly given rapidly aging populations and the rising number of people with heart failure.