This review highlights that heart failure congestion is a multisystemic issue requiring comprehensive, multidisciplinary management beyond traditional cardiovascular-centered approaches.
Congestion is a key clinical feature of heart failure (HF), contributing to hospitalizations, disease progression, and poor outcomes. While traditionally considered a hemodynamic issue, congestion is now recognized as a systemic process affecting multiple organs. Renal dysfunction arises from impaired perfusion and sodium retention, leading to maladaptive left ventricular remodeling. Hepatic congestion contributes to cholestatic liver injury, while metabolic disturbances drive anemia, muscle wasting, and systemic inflammation. Additionally, congestion disrupts the intestinal barrier and immune function, exacerbating HF progression. Given its widespread impact, effective congestion management requires a shift from a cardiovascular-centered approach to a comprehensive, multidisciplinary strategy. Targeted decongestive therapy, metabolic and nutritional optimization, and immune modulation are crucial in mitigating congestion-related organ dysfunction. Early recognition and intervention are essential to slow disease progression, preserve functional capacity, and improve survival. Addressing HF congestion through personalized, evidence-based strategies is vital for optimizing long-term care and advancing treatment paradigms.
Mocan et al. (Mon,) studied this question.