Heart Failure: An Issue of Cardiology Clinics

Heart failure is the condition in which the heart cannot sustain the sufficient pumping of blood to meet the requirements of the body. Shortness of breath, swelling in the leg, and exhaustion are common signs of heart failure. Heart failure is generally caused due to coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, valvular heart disease, atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, etc. The severity of the condition may be determined by the severity of symptoms during exercise. It can be diagnosed based on a review of symptoms, a medical examination and echocardiographic evaluation. Chest radiography and blood tests can aid in determining the underlying cause of heart failure. In cases of mild heart failure, lifestyle and dietary changes, and medications generally suffice to manage the problem. However for those with severe heart failure, drugs such as diuretics and aldosterone antagonist may be used. Devices like implantable cardiac defibrillator or pacemakers may also be used to aid cardiac activity. For cases that cannot be resolved by such measures, heart transplantation may be performed. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of heart failure. The various studies that are constantly contributing towards advancing technologies and therapeutic interventions in cardiology are examined in detail. The readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective about heart failure.