, HEART FAILURE Complete Study Guide
Based on AHA/ACC/HFSA & ESC Guidelines
2025–2026 Edition
A comprehensive review of pathophysiology, diagnosis, classification, and evidence-based
management of heart failure across all ejection fraction phenotypes.
1. Definition & Epidemiology
Heart failure is a clinical syndrome in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to
meet the body's metabolic demands, or can do so only at elevated filling pressures. It is
characterized by symptoms of dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention (edema), with structural
and/or functional cardiac abnormalities.
Key Epidemiologic Facts:
• Affects over 64 million people worldwide
• 5-year mortality exceeds 50% in many populations — surpassing many cancers
• Prevalence: ~5 million in North America; ≥10 million in Europe
• Incidence rises sharply with age
Based on AHA/ACC/HFSA & ESC Guidelines
2025–2026 Edition
A comprehensive review of pathophysiology, diagnosis, classification, and evidence-based
management of heart failure across all ejection fraction phenotypes.
1. Definition & Epidemiology
Heart failure is a clinical syndrome in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to
meet the body's metabolic demands, or can do so only at elevated filling pressures. It is
characterized by symptoms of dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention (edema), with structural
and/or functional cardiac abnormalities.
Key Epidemiologic Facts:
• Affects over 64 million people worldwide
• 5-year mortality exceeds 50% in many populations — surpassing many cancers
• Prevalence: ~5 million in North America; ≥10 million in Europe
• Incidence rises sharply with age
