Chronische Herzinsuffizienz

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to supply sufficient blood flow and thus enough oxygen in order to ensure metabolism of the tissues at rest or on exertion. It is one of the most common disorders in internal medicine, typically occurring at an older age. Common causes include coronary heart disease and arterial hypertension. Main symptom of cardiac insufficiency is dyspnoea, which can occur just on exertion or even at rest, depending on the stage of the disease. Moreover, heart failure can induce fluid overload in the body. Echocardiography is the most important examination for diagnosis, in addition to clinical presentation. Heart failure treatment includes drugs like ACE-inhibitors or AT1 receptorantagonists, beta-blockers and aldosterone antagonists. Furthermore, diuretics may help. In addition, complementary therapies such as weight control, reduction of salt intake and moderate exercise have proven helpful. Surgery including revascularization in coronary heart disease or cardiac transplantation in severe cardiac insufficiency may also be an option.