Congestive heart failure

Abstract

Causes of congestive heart failure include hypertension, coronary artery disease, alcohol abuse and valvular heart disease. Two-dimensional echocardiography with Doppler examination is excellent for identifying valvular heart disease. While noninvasive screening for coronary artery disease may seem cost-effective, the consequences of a missed diagnosis are such that coronary angiography should be strongly considered if there is any suggestion of ischemic heart disease. Medical management primarily consists of vasodilators, diuretics and inotropic agents. Vasodilator therapy may prolong the patient's life. Digoxin and diuretics improve symptoms and hemodynamic abnormalities. With advanced heart failure, adequate control of fluid retention and dyspnea may require diuretic doses associated with azotemia, and systolic blood pressure may have to be maintained at less than 100 mm Hg in spite of postural hypotension.