Chronic heart failure

Abstract

Heart Failure (HF) is a complex, progressive and prevalent syndrome, that evolutes with high morbidity and mortality. Beside these facts, HF is under diagnosis or its recognition is delayed until patients became symptomatic or are hospitalized. HF patients are usually asymptomatic in the beginning and become severely limited in the advanced forms. The diagnosis is based mainly on correct interpretation of clinical data, and depends on the correct valorization of signs and symptoms that patients presents. BNP measure is a good laboratory way to differentiate causes of acute dyspnea and persistence of elevated serum levels could signalize that patients were not completely compensated. Treatment at initial phase could prevent or delay the progression to more symptomatic forms. Treatment of symptomatic patients induces reduction in symptoms and in the high morbidity and mortality. The main treatment schedule is made with prescription of beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and spironolactone. Beta-blocker and ACE inhibitors should be prescribed at high doses, since the efficacy off low doses has not been confirmed. Symptomatic patients could receive also prescription of diuretics and digital, since they reduce symptoms. © Copyright Moreira Jr. Editora. Todos os direitos reservados.