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Clinical Indicators Heart Failure (CHF)Heart failure (congestive heart failure or CHF) is among the most common and severe heart diseases affecting Americans and one of the most common reasons for hospitalization. It is estimated that 4.7 million Americans have heart failure. Congestion is the presence of an abnormal amount of fluid in the tissues, usually because of limitations in the body’s ability to return the flow of blood from the arms or legs to the heart and lungs. Although heart failure has many possible underlying causes – for example, hypertension or diabetes, among others – it results in an inability of the heart muscle to function well enough to meet the demands of the rest of the body. Indicators Left ventricular function (LVF) assessments – Since the left ventricle of the heart is largely responsible for pumping blood to the rest of the body, tests to measure LVF are important to help your physician manage the treatment of heart failure.
ACEI or ARB prescribed at discharge – National guidelines for the treatment of heart-failure patients with moderate to severe dysfunction of the left ventricle include prescribing medications called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) to reduce complications and mortality. Some patients, however, may not be able to take these drugs due to allergies or other medical reasons.
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