Heart Failure

Heart failure is defined as the weakening of the heart's pumping power, and that it is unable to adequately supply the body with oxygen and nutrients. As the heart weakens it tends to stretch and stiffen under the stress. The kidneys respond by causing the body to retain fluid. If fluid builds up in the arms, legs, ankles, feet, lungs, or other organs, the body becomes congested, and congestive heart failure is the term used to describe the condition. Heart failure is the result of heart damage that can be caused by a number of diseases, including coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, valvular disease, diabetes, or combinations of these disorders. The individual chapters in Heart Failure reflects the manifestations of heart failure that are commonly encountered by the practicing cardiologist and encompasses heart failure as a new diagnosis, as a chronic problem, end-stage heart failure, heart failure associated with other cardiac disease and with other systemic diseases. There are also two specific chapters on determining prognosis and evaluating familial disease. Heart Failure: A Case-Based Approach features: Practical, visual approach to commonly seen but complex management problems in heart failure Case presentations demonstrate real world clinical management decisions and applications of current guidelines and evidence in specific situations Comprehensive coverage the wide range of clinical presentations and medical and surgical management courses Video loops of select procedures available online Peter S. Rahko, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, USA. Dr. Rahko has published and lectured widely on heart failure management and recently was a member of the ACC/AHA writing committee to update heart failure management guidelines