Treatment of congestive heart failure

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Heart disease is a severe problem. This article focuses on heart failure caused by congestive cardiomyopathy, which is most often due to ischemic cardiac dysfunction or primary idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Cardiac function is determined by interplay between many factors, and Dr Goldsmith discusses the pathophysiologic principles involved in the development of congestive heart failure. He also gives specific treatment options based on supporting the failing myocardium and relieving preload, vascular congestion, arterial vasoconstriction, and left ventricular afterload.