Heart Failure

Heart Failure, a Growing Yet Treatable Epidemic

Heart Failure, a Growing Yet Treatable Epidemic – MM1701

The clinical syndrome of heart failure (HF) is a final common pathway of most forms of cardiovascular disease. Affected patients typically experience poor quality of life, recurrent hospitalisations, and premature mortality. Although in general the prognosis of patients with HF is considered worse than that for patients with many cancers, the increasing use of effective selective therapies has led to considerable improvement in the prognosis.

Modern Medicine – January 2017

January 27, 2017 by Heart Failure

Treating Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

Treating Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction – MM1609

Heart failure affects about two percent of the western population, with the prevalence increasing sharply from one percent in 40-year-old individuals to 10% above the age of 75 years. It is the most common cause of hospitalisation in patients over 65 years of age. Heart failure is defined as a syndrome characterised by an impaired ability of the heart to fill with and/or to eject blood commensurate with the metabolic needs of the body, resulting in a classic constellation of signs or symptoms of pulmonary and systemic venous congestion.

Modern Medicine – September 2016

October 6, 2016 by Cardiology Heart Failure

Managing Heart Failure – The key role of the GP

Managing Heart Failure – The key role of the GP – MM1603

HF is a complex syndrome whereby systemic perfusion is insufficient to
meet the body’s metabolic demands. Although its clinical features are quite
varied, it is frequently characterised by elevated left ventricular filling pressures, inadequate peripheral oxygen delivery and neurohormonal activation. In particular, activation of both the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems leads to fluid retention and adverse pathological axis remodelling of the heart.

Management of most patients with heart failure occurs at an outpatient
level, with the GP playing a central role in initial diagnosis, counselling, regular
assessment of fluid status, titration and monitoring of medications and end-of life care.

Modern Medicine – March 2016

March 18, 2016 by Cardiology Heart Disease Heart Failure
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