Heart Failure: Causes, Investigations and Updates on Management

Background: HF heart failure is a serious cardiovascular disease with its increased incidence, serious illness, high mortality and rapidly increasing medical costs. HF patients are increasing worldwide and South Korea is no exception. Over the past 40 years, there have been significant improvements in the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of HF. There are ongoing efforts to improve HF risk classification using biomarkers, imaging and genetic testing. Newly developed drugs and HF devices are widely accepted in clinical practice. In addition, specific treatments for end-stage renal disease, including left ventricular defense devices and heart transplants, will soon emerge. This review summarizes recent HF management and new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes in HF patients.

Conclusion: Heart failure is a public health burden that has far-reaching consequences for the future of health care and human health.