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This comprehensive review highlights congestive heart failure mechanisms and treatment options, suggesting improved patient outcomes.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by the heart's inability to pump sufficient blood to satisfy the metabolic demands of the body. This condition arises from various underlying cardiovascular disorders, such as cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. CHF is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality, presenting symptoms such as fatigue, fluid retention, and shortness of breath. As cardiac output diminishes progressively in CHF, compensatory mechanisms, including the activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), are initiated, which can further impair cardiac function and lead to additional heart damage. Recent advancements in diagnostic techniques, such as the use of biomarkers and imaging technologies, have facilitated the early detection and prompt treatment of CHF. Current therapeutic strategies primarily involve pharmacotherapy, lifestyle changes, and, in severe cases, device-based or surgical interventions. Medications such as beta-blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors have been effective in slowing disease progression and improving patient outcomes. Nevertheless, CHF remains a considerable public health challenge, underscoring the necessity for further research aimed at enhancing treatment options, improving quality of life, and reducing healthcare costs associated with long-term management and hospitalizations.
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Kirdat et al. (2025) studied this question.
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