Evaluation of Heart Failure
• Coronary artery disease is believed to be the underlying
cause of heart failure in approximately two
thirds of patients with heart failure.
• The cardinal symptoms of heart failure include
dyspnea and fatigue that can occur at rest in severe
cases and with exertion in milder cases.
• For the dyspneic patient in the acute care setting,
a history, physical examination, chest radiograph,
and electrocardiogram should be performed.