Heart failure occurs when the pumping action of the heart is no longer sufficient to meet all the body's needs. Significant advances in managing heart failure have occurred over the past several years, and heart failure is often not the dire diagnosis it once was. The following articles examine various aspects of heart failure and its current treatment.
Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure - Part 1
An easy-to-read overview of heart failure, the disorders that cause it, and how it should be treated - Part 1
Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure - Part 2
An easy-to-read overview of heart failure, the disorders that cause it, and how it should be treated - Part 2
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
This common congenital disorder can lead to heart failure in some, and is the most common cause of sudden death in apparently healthy young people.
Diastolic Dysfunction and Diastolic Heart Failure
In recent years, a "new" type of heart failure has been identified - diastolic dysfunction. Read about what this is, how it is diagnosed, what it means, and how it is treated.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)
This new form of therapy can remarkably improve symptoms in suitable patients who have heart failure.
Beta Blockers in Heart Failure
Contrary to what most docs were taught in medical school, beta blockers are not only OK to use in patients with heart failure -they make patients live appreciably longer.
ACE Inhibitors in Heart Failure
Patients with heart failure, in general, should be receiving ACE inhibitors.
Sudden Death After Heart Attacks
All too often, a patient survives a heart attack and is apparently doing well, only to die suddenly from cardiac arrhythmias. Fortunately, this catastrophe can usually be prevented - if the doctor pays appropriate attention to the risk of sudden death.
Exercise in Heart Failure
Patients with heart failure should not be placed at rest (as was the tradition for decades) but instead should be encouraged to exercise. Here are recent guidelines for exercise in patients with heart failure.
