Abstract
Congestive heart failure (CHF) due to progressive systolic dysfunction has become a modern-day epidemic. Despite the increased incidence and prevalence, significant progress has been made in the past 10 to 15 years in the treatment of CHF at all stages. The current outlook for patients with newly diagnosed, mild heart failure is encouraging. It should be noted, however, that most of the morbidity and health care expenditure is incurred by a minority of patients diagnosed with CHF who are in the advanced stages of their disease. The thrust of this article will be to provide practical advice beyond current guidelines on the management of advanced CHF.
MeSH terms
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Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
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Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
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Cardiotonic Agents / administration & dosage
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Digoxin / therapeutic use
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Diuretics / therapeutic use
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Drug Therapy, Combination
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Heart Failure / physiopathology
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Heart Failure / therapy*
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Hemodynamics
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Hemofiltration
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Humans
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Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use
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Infusions, Intravenous
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Monitoring, Physiologic / methods
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Referral and Consultation
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Self Care / methods
Substances
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Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
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Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
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Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
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Cardiotonic Agents
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Diuretics
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Hypolipidemic Agents
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Digoxin