Heart failure

Cardiac function alteration in which the heart loses its total or partial capacity to pump blood to the rest of the body. It is a common, disabling and life-threatening disease. In developed countries, around 2% of adults suffer from heart failure and the rate increases to a 6-10% in adults of over 65 years of age.

Its multiple causes include: cardiac infarction, arterial hypertension, smoking, alcoholism and diabetes.

Usual symptoms are decreased urination, swelling of the legs, shortness of breath and a feeling of suffocation that worsens when lying down.

Diagnosis is clinical by questioning and a physical examination. An electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and echocardiography are performed to complete the study.

The aim of the treatment is to correct the triggering cause and the symptoms. Oxygen therapy, diuretic treatment, antihypertensive treatment and treatment to improve cardiac pumping strength will be used. Prevention is essential to avoid relapses: diet, stop smoking, blood pressure control, etc.