Author/Editor		Bombek, Mirko; Krajnc, Igor
Title		Ambulanta za srčno popuščanje
Translated title		Heart failure out-patient clinic
Type		članek
Source		In: Hojs R, Krajnc I, Pahor A, et al, editors. Iz prakse za prakso. Zbornik predavanj in praktikum 16. srečanje internistov in zdravnikov splošne medicine z mednarodno udeležbo; 2005 maj 20-21; Maribor. Maribor: Splošna bolnišnica Maribor,
Publication year		2005
Volume		str. 221-9
Language		slo
Abstract		In developed countries heart failure is expressed particularly by the frequency of 3rterial hypertension and coronary artery disease. Its incidence increases steeply with age. Heart failure is the most frequent cause of early patient rehospitalization. It has a devastating effect on the quality of life. Despite the sound knowledge of the physicians, the accuracy of diagnosis at primary level is less than 50% and numerous patients do not receive adequate treatment. Heart failure is never the final diagnosis; other diseases and factors triggering heart failure should be identified. A normal ECG and X-rays of the lungs and heart practically rule out the diagnosis of heart failure. Natriuretic peptide (BNP) had a high negative predictive value. To confirm or exclude the diagnosis, echocardiography is the method of choice. Maribor Teaching Hospital has a special heart failure outpatient clinic for the treatment of heart failure, with easy access, for the diagnosis and treatment of newly discovered patients and for the management of chronic patients, offering rapid access to US diagnostic procedures. It allows the setting up of a patient registry. A specialized nurse takes over an active role in the treatment. A significant supplement is the measuring of physical capacity and prescribing of physical activity for patients with heart failure as well as introducing physical exercise under the supervision of an experienced physical therapist. The work group for heart failure at the Association of Cardiologists of Slovenia checks whether Slovene hospitals have available programs for record keeping, patient management, writing out of findings and for subsequent data processing. Its members will continue with the education of physicians as well as special heart failure nurses in the field of heart failure.
Descriptors		HEART FAILURE, CONGESTIVE AMBULATORY CARE ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY