It is an alteration of cardiac function in which the heart totally or partially loses its capacity to pump blood to the rest of the body. It is a frequent, disabling and potentially fatal disease. In developed countries, about 2% of adults suffer from heart failure, increasing its incidence in those over 65 years of age to 6-10%.
There are multiple causes including: cardiac infarction, arterial hypertension, smoking, alcoholism and diabetes.
Common symptoms include fatigue, decreased urination, leg swelling, enlarged jugular veins in the neck, shortness of breath, choking sensation that worsens when lying down, mental confusion and sweating on cold skin.
Diagnosis is clinical by interrogation and physical examination. Electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, echocardiography will be performed to complete the study.
The aim of treatment is to correct the triggering cause and treat the symptoms. Oxygen therapy, diuretic treatment, antihypertensive treatment and treatment to improve cardiac pumping force will be used. Prevention is essential to avoid relapses: diet, smoking cessation, blood pressure control, etc.
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