Abstract

Chronic heart failure (CHF) affects approximately 1% of people aged 50-59 years, and this high prevalence increases dramatically with age. CHF is a common reason for hospital admission and general practitioner consultation in the elderly. Common causes of CHF are ischaemic heart disease, hypertension and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Diagnosis of CHF is based on clinical features and objective measurement of ventricular function (eg, echocardiography). Management is directed at prevention, retarding disease progression, relief of symptoms and prolonging survival. Non-pharmacological approaches include exercise, home-based support and risk-factor modification. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are the cornerstone of pharmacological therapy to prevent disease progression and prolong survival. beta-Blockers prolong survival when added to ACE inhibitors in symptomatic patients. Diuretics provide symptom relief and restoration or maintenance of euvolaemia. Spironolactone, angiotensin II receptor antagonists and digoxin may be useful in some patients. Surgical approaches in highly selected patients may include myocardial revascularisation, insertion of devices and cardiac transplantation.