Pharmacologic and surgical interventions to improve functional capacity in heart failure.

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome of breathlessness, lower extremity swelling, fatigue, and exercise intolerance affecting a large portion of the population worldwide, and associated with premature death. Despite improvement in the management of HF, many patients remain unable to complete activities of daily living without experiencing exertional symptoms. Although prevention of death in patients with HF is imperative, treatment of symptoms and improving functional capacity are equally important goals. This article discusses treatments (medical and surgical) associated with improved functional capacity in HF.