Refractory heart failure

Any patient with so-called "refractory" heart failure should be looked upon as suboptimally handled. The patient should be studied for possible development of new disturbances, either inside or outside the vascular system, which, at the same time, have a bearing upon the heart failure.The entire therapeutic program should be reviewed to be sure that all aspects of therapy have been evaluated satisfactorily and established optimally. If diuretics, especially mercurial diuretics, have been given, the possible complications of such therapy, particularly in terms of electrolyte imbalance, should be considered. It is only through a general survey of the patient for an evaluation of these factors that they may be found and therapy instituted to minimize or eliminate them.