Abstract
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common clinical disorder that results in pulmonary vascular congestion and reduced cardiac output. CHF should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any adult patient who presents with dyspnea and/or respiratory failure. The diagnosis of heart failure is often determined by a careful history and physical examination and characteristic chestradiograph findings. The measurement of serum brain natriuretic peptide and echocardiography have substantially improved the accuracy of diagnosis. Therapy for CHF is directed at restoring normal cardiopulmonary physiology and reducing the hyperadrenergic state. The cornerstone of treatment is a combination of an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor and slow titration of a blocker. Patients with CHF are prone to pulmonary complications, including obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary edema, and pleural effusions. Continuous positive airway pressure and noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation benefit patients in CHF exacerbations.
- heart failure
- diastolic dysfunction
- systolic dysfunction
- obstructive sleep apnea
- cheyne-stokes respiration
- respiratory failure
- noninvasive ventilation
Footnotes
- Correspondence: Michael S Figueroa MD, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7704 Merton Minter Boulevard, 111E, San Antonio TX 78229. E-mail: figueroa{at}uthscsa.edu.
- Copyright © 2006 by Daedalus Enterprises Inc.