Congestion and use of diuretics in heart failure and cardiomyopathies: a practical guide

Khan, J., Graham, F. J., Masini, G., Iaconelli, A., Friday, J. M. , Lang, C. C. and Pellicori, P. (2023) Congestion and use of diuretics in heart failure and cardiomyopathies: a practical guide. Current Cardiology Reports, 25(5), pp. 411-420. (doi: 10.1007/s11886-023-01865-y) (PMID:37074565)

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Heart failure is a highly prevalent condition caused by many different aetiologies and characterised by cardiac dysfunction and congestion. Once developed, congestion leads to signs (peripheral oedema) and symptoms (breathlessness on exertion), adverse cardiac remodelling, and an increased risk of hospitalisation and premature death. This review summarises strategies that could enable early identification and a more objective management of congestion in patients with heart failure. Recent Findings: For patients with suspected or diagnosed heart failure, combining an echocardiogram with assessment of great veins, lungs, and kidneys by ultrasound might facilitate recognition and quantification of congestion, the management of which is still difficult and highly subjective. Summary: Congestion is a one of the key drivers of morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure and is often under-recognised. The use of ultrasound allows for a timely, simultaneous identification of cardiac dysfunction and multiorgan congestion; ongoing and future studies will clarify how to tailor diuretic treatments in those with or at risk of heart failure.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Fraser Graham has been awarded a research project grant from the British Heart Foundation (PG/2019/35089).
• Keywords: Congestion, diuretics, heart failure, management, ultrasound.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: iaconelli, Dr antonio and Masini, Dr Gabriele and Friday, Dr Jocelyn and Graham, Dr Fraser and Pellicori, Dr Pierpaolo
• Authors: Khan, J., Graham, F. J., Masini, G., Iaconelli, A., Friday, J. M., Lang, C. C., and Pellicori, P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Current Cardiology Reports
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 1523-3782
• ISSN (Online): 1534-3170
• Published Online: 19 April 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Current Cardiology Reports 25(5): 411-420
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy