Ivan Málek, Markéta Hegarová
Chronic heart failure is a syndrome diagnosed in the presence of clinical symptoms, malfunction of the heart ventricles and neurohumoral activation. The progression of the disease is characterized by a progressive worsening of the patient status including episodes of decompensation. These conditions are prognostically very serious especially when accompanied by a renal failure. This article discusses the possibilities of prevention and specificities of the treatment of the decompensation. An important role is played by a detection of an early phase of the decompensation and the treatment of the evoking cause. The article also describes the treatment of diuretic resistance which is one of the cardio - renal syndrome manifestations. When hypotension and other symptoms of a low cardiac output dominate inotropic drugs positively contribute. Prevention, early detection and correct treatment of decompensation improve the course of chronic heart failure, the quality of life and prognosis of the patients.