Epidemiology and clinical aspects of congestive heart failure.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is an increasing problem for healthcare systems in all developed countries. The prevalence is increasing partly due to ageing of the population, but also due to improved survival from acute cardiac disease such as myocardial infarction. Advances in diagnostic techniques and better understanding of the pathophysiology offer many opportunities for substantial improvement in the management of CHF. This article reviews the current epidemiology of CHF and the related diagnostic issues.