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Heart failure often presents
initially as dyspnea with exertion or recumbency. Patients also commonly have dependent
edema, rapid fatigue, cough and early satiety. These symptoms are sometimes attributed to
other causes. Arrhythmias causing palpitations, dizziness or aborted sudden death may also
be the initial manifestations of the disease. The symptoms of heart failure can mimic
those of many other conditions, sometimes making accurate diagnosis difficult. The
University of Michigan guideline assumes that heart failure has already been suspected or
diagnosed.Guidance is then given on the studies that ought to be considered or performed.Adapted with permission from Heart
failure—systolic dysfunction. Retrieved May 22, 2001, from: http://cme.med.umich.edu/pdf/guideline/heart.pdf. |
