[Update on diagnostics and treatment of heart failure]

Jan Wintrich1, Ann-Kathrin Berger2, Yvonne Bewarder2

  • 1Klinik für Innere Medizin III - Kardiologie, Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Kirrbergerstraße, 666421, Homburg/Saar, Deutschland. Jan.Wintrich@uks.eu.

Herz
|August 31, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Heart failure is rising globally, with high mortality rates despite advances. Guideline-conform diagnostics and treatment are crucial for managing this growing challenge.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Global incidence and prevalence of heart failure are increasing.
  • High mortality and morbidity rates persist despite scientific and clinical innovations.
  • Cardiac decompensation is a leading cause of hospital admissions in Germany.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the latest scientific knowledge on acute and chronic heart failure.
  • To emphasize the importance of guideline-conform diagnostics and treatment.
  • To address the challenges heart failure poses to the German healthcare system.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific knowledge published between 2018-2020.
  • Focus on acute and chronic heart failure.
  • Analysis of diagnostic and treatment guidelines.

Main Results:

  • Despite innovations, heart failure outcomes remain suboptimal.
  • Guideline-conform approaches are critical for effective management.
  • Heart failure treatment presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems.

Conclusions:

  • Continuous updates in scientific knowledge are essential for improving heart failure care.
  • Adherence to established guidelines is paramount for reducing mortality and morbidity.
  • Addressing heart failure requires a comprehensive and system-wide approach.

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
59
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation

Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
74
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
52
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions01:30

Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions

The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...
194
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
83
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics

Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
542