Via practica 6/2017

Chronic heart failure – specifics in senior patients

The article approaches newer principal views on definition, epidemiology, causes, latest classification (terminology) of chronic heart failure.It emphasizes still very important practical methods in heart failure diagnostic as well as in treatment, with attention on modern pharmacological approach and potential, as well as on indication of some invasive methods and procedures.The fundamental changes based on the latest European evidence - based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of this serious clinical condition ( ESC – European Society of Cardiology, 2016 ) have been the milestones and support.An important theme is also the effort to improve the quality of our routine clinical work and care with attention in a series of aspects of care for these patients, remembering significant prevalence and some specifics in patients with chronic heart failure in the elderly age.

Keywords: chronic heart failure, elderly age, definition, terminology, classification, diagnostic methods, treatment management, comorbidity, ESC latest guidelines 2016