Heart failure burden and therapy

Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome with a broad spectrum of heterogeneous symptoms and signs resulting in a wide range of clinical expressions. The prevalence of HF is estimated to be 1–2% in developed countries, increasing with age. Heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization for patients older than 65 years, raising concerns about the economic burden of this syndrome. This article provides a critical review of epidemiological and clinical aspects for HF; causes, comorbidities, and types of HF are also described. The systolic vs. diastolic, the acute vs. chronic approaches, and the connections between HF and left bundle branch block or atrial fibrillation are further detailed. In addition, a synthesis of the latest results and recommendations concerning the indication and the prescription of pharmacological (such as diuretics or rennin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors) and non-pharmacological treatments (particularly device therapy) is proposed.