ABSTRACT
Heart failure (HF) is a clinical diagnosis in which there are symptoms and clinical signs , with evidence of abnormal cardiac function on investigation. HF prevalence increases steeply with age, and the average age of a person admitted to hospital with this syndrome in developed countries is in the high 70s. HF is a syndrome rather than a complete diagnosis and the underlying cause of the cardiac dysfunction should always be determined. Symptoms of dyspnoea, fatigue or fluid retention should alert the physician to the fact that HF is a potential diagnosis. Symptoms may also include dizziness, confusion, anorexia, abdominal bloating, or nocturia. Echocardiography provides detailed information on cardiac structure and function – including that of the atria and ventricles and the four valves. The involvement of those with specialist palliative care skills can be particularly beneficial towards the end of life, and should also be considered for all those with progressive HF despite optimal medical therapy.
