What are the assumptions and definitions for Heart Failure (HF)?
The general clinical assumptions for Heart Failure (HF) include a comprehensive evaluation of the patient, including history and physical exam, laboratory tests, and echocardiogram; identification of comorbidities and factors contributing to HF; establishment of an appropriate treatment plan; and patient education for self-management. Definitions for HF include systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction leading to symptoms and/or signs of HF, such as breathlessness, fatigue, and edema. It may be caused by structural or functional abnormalities in the heart, and is usually characterized by impaired pumping function. It can be divided into two main categories: Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). 