The classical causes of heart failure

Abstract This chapter discusses the ‘classical causes’ of heart failure. Heart failure is the common endpoint of a diverse range of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular conditions. The list of potential causes of this syndrome continues to expand as the knowledge of the pathophysiology of heart failure increases. In western societies, coronary heart disease and hypertension are the commonest causes of heart failure. However, valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, and alcohol are also frequently implicated. The prevalence of heart failure secondary to coronary heart disease has increased in recent years, due in part to improved survival following acute myocardial infarction. The chapter then highlights the importance of establishing an aetiology of heart failure. Establishing the aetiology of heart failure is important, but it is often challenging for the clinician. Several causes of heart failure frequently coexist and determining the primary aetiology can be difficult: one cause may obviously dominate, but frequently patients may have multiple contributing aetiologies.