[Multidisciplinary guideline 'Heart failure 2010']

Abstract

In the multidisciplinary practice guideline 'Heart failure 2010', the diagnosis of heart failure relies on a combination of signs and symptoms and on supplementary investigation with natriuretic peptides and echocardiography. Once diagnosed, it is important to detect the potentially treatable cause of the heart failure. The non-medical treatment consists of lifestyle advice, of which regular body exercise is the most important component. The medical treatment of patients with systolic heart failure consists of a diuretic, ACE inhibitor, and beta-blocker, optionally extended by an aldosterone antagonist, an angiotensin receptor blocker and/or digoxin. A restricted group of patients may require an internal cardiac defibrillator (ICD) and/or cardiac resynchronisation therapy. There is limited scientific evidence concerning treatment of patients with diastolic heart failure. It is important to coordinate the care of the patient with heart failure within a multidisciplinary team to provide optimal treatment and information for the patient.