Heart failure (HF) affects approximately 40 million adults worldwide, and its prevalence is estimated to increase by 46% in the next decade.

Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by structural or functional impairment of the heart. It is defined by the reduced ability of the ventricles to receive or eject adequate amounts of blood, resulting in poor perfusion of peripheral tissues. This pump failure mechanism results in the heart's inability to meet the body's normal metabolic demands. This progressive disease impacts quality of life and often leads to sudden cardiac death or organ failure due to complications arising from decreased blood flow. Heart failure can be classified based on the affected circulatory system (right versus left side), cardiac function (systolic versus diastolic pressure), or underlying pathophysiology (induced pressure versus induced volume).

Although this is not the focus of this article, it is worth noting that the various classifications of HF all represent the heart's inability to meet the body's metabolic demands. The diagnosis of HF is primarily based on the Framingham criteria, which consist of clinical signs and symptoms seen during a physical examination.

To confirm a diagnosis of HF, a patient must present at least two major criteria, or one major criterion with two or more minor criteria.

This diagnostic tool can be complemented by a comprehensive patient history, an electrocardiogram, and a chest x-ray.