YEAR IN REVIEW: CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

摘要

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a clinical syndrome triggered by impaired cardiac systolic or diastolic function and characterized by stereotypical changes in neurohormonal activation, renal sodium retention, and cardiac and vascular remodeling. Functional characteristics of heart failure include impaired exercise capacity, secondary pulmonary dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances related to impaired organ perfusion. Both quality and duration of life are limited by cardiac failure.From the end of 2012 through early 2014 a number of manuscripts were published that expand our understanding of CHF in dogs and cats. These recent publications can be considered within the general categories of pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, therapy, staging, and prognosis. The purpose of this lecture is to highlight some of this interesting work and offer a personal perspective regarding the clinical impact of these reports within the context of the topics addressed. This presentation is directed to the generalist in clinical practice.