Clinical manifestations of heart failure

Abstract:

Heart failure is a syndrome characterized by the symptoms and signs of abnormal heart function and possible favorable response to adequate treatment. It can be caused by any disease that provokes structural, mechanical or electrical abnormality of the heart. Heart failure is a frequent reason for hospitalization, especially in older age, reducing the quality of life, causing disability and high mortality. Clinical examination of the patient should reveal symptoms and signs which may be specific to a lower or a higher degree, but also the etiology of heart failure, the presence of comorbidities, associated conditions and precipitating factors. This type of comprehensive (holistic) approach is very important for fast diagnosis, selection of optimal treatment and correct prognostic evaluation. Despite the contemporary trend of neglecting the importance of anamnesis and physical examinations in favor of numerous objective diagnostic methods which can prove structural and functional abnormalities of the heart, the clinical presentation still remains fundamental for rational diagnostics and optimal treatment in every patient with heart failure. 

Key words:
classification; heart failure; signs and symptoms