Researchers feel that heart failure can be an important clinical syndrome that can lead to death from cardiac problems in the older population.
In a study conducted by the scientists of the University of Massachusetts Medical School say that ageing population is more at risk from death due to heart failure and this clinical condition may be prevented if can be identified early. The research study has revealed that of the total patients studied who were hospitalized for possible heart failure 5.1 % of them had died from decompensated heart failure during acute hospitalization. Patients who were at increased risk from death due to heart failure were suffering from higher concentrations of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and admission heart rates. Also the risk of dying during hospitalization was more for patients with lower serum sodium concentrations and lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure standards. The study also showed that women are at greater risk of dying from heart failure than men.Heart failure is the condition in which the heart loses the ability to pump blood normally. This condition is also known as congestive heart failure. This may be chronic condition or may develop suddenly. In this condition the organs are unable to receive their share of oxygen and nutrients and thus may not function to their fullest capacities. Most function of the body can be affected by the condition of heart failure.
Reference: The American Journal of Medicine, July, 2005
