Heart Failure

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p. 44-58.) Porth and Matfin define heart failure, "A complex syndrome resulting from any functional or structural disorder of the heart that results in or increases the risk of developing manifestations of low cardiac output and/or pulmonary or systemic congestion. The syndrome of heart faiure can be produced by any heart condition that reduces the pumping ability of the heart. Among the most common cases of heart failure are coronary artery disease, hypertension, dilated cardiomyopathy, and valvular heart disease." (Porth & Matfin, 2009, p. 606). Andreoli's defines heart failure, "A state in which cardiac output is insufficient to meet the metabolic needs of the body." It can occur when the cardiac output is normal, decreased, or increased. In most cases, patients with heart failure have decreased cardiac output and left ventricular dilation. Congestive failure is manifested by the retention of fluid and the formation of edema. Low output failure occurs when the heart is unable ...

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are affected by congestive heart failure; therefore a holistic perspective must be used. (Guzzetta & Dossy, 1992, p. 303). Mosby's dictionary defines heart failure as, "a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the metabolic requirements of body tissues." (Mosby, 2009, p. 846-847). Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome manifested by shortness of breath, fatigue, and characterized by abnormalities of left ventricular (LV) function and neurohormonal regulation. A disorder that places the heart under an increased volume or pressure load or that produces primary damage or an increased metabolic demand on the myocardium may result in heart failure. (Woods, et ...

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