Expert Column - Beyond Pharmacotherapy for Heart Failure: The Role of ICDs and CRT CME

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic, progressive disorder resulting in a gradual decline in the heart's ability to pump blood. Eventually, the heart is unable to work effectively enough to meet the body's demands. There are a number of underlying conditions that can lead to HF, including chronic hypertension, valvular heart disease, ischemic heart disease, and myocardial infarction (MI), as well as other miscellaneous causes. Patients in the more advanced stages of the disease typically experience a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, swelling of the legs, and heart arrhythmias. Ultimately, patients experience severe limitations in their physical activity, progressive heart dilation and dysfunction, and premature death."