Congestive Heart Failure--etiology and Diagnostic Procedures
From: Hjertemedisinsk avdeling, Rikshospitalet, 0027 Oslo. marit.aarones@rikshospitalet.no
Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening
- Publish Date: Jan 2007
- ISSN: 0807-7096
- Volume: 127
- Issue: 2
- Pages: 171-3
- Medium: Internet
- Language:
- Citation (JAMA): Aarønaes Marit, Atar Dan, Bonarjee Vernon, et al. Congestive Heart Failure--etiology and Diagnostic Procedures. Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. Jan 2007;127:171-3
Abstract
Congestive heart failure is a major health problem in the western world and the prevalence of patients with this diagnosis increases. About 2% of the adult population are affected; the majority are elderly, which represents a challenge when it comes to assessment and treatment. This article concerns the aetiology and diagnosis of congestive heart failure and provides a suggestion for guidelines. The proposed guidelines are aimed at primary, secondary and third line health care providers in Norway, and are based on previously published Norwegian guidelines and international guidelines. Hypertension and coronary artery disease account for 75-80% of known cases of congestive heart failure. The patient’s history and risk factors must be investigated. Laboratory tests emphasising organ functions are important, and these should include measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Electrocardiograms and chest X-rays should be taken as well. All patients with suspected impaired left ventricular ejection fraction should undergo an echocardiographic examination. Invasive tests, and non-invasive imaging should be used for selected groups of patients only.
Mesh Headings (Keywords): Adult, Aged, Biological Markers, Echocardiography, Heart Failure, Heart Function Tests, Humans, Middle Aged, Prognosis, Risk Factors
Check for Full Text / PubMed Unique Identifier (PMID): 17237863
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