[The effect of clinical and hemodynamic factors on the dynamic development over the course of 1 year of observation of heart failure in rheumatism patients].

Factors contributing to congestive heart failure were specified in a 1-year follow-up of 108 patients with rheumatic heart disease. Relevant clinical factors comprised the kind of valvular defect, type of hemodynamic disorder and the degree of circulatory insufficiency. Among instrumental indices of importance were cardiac preload and myocardial contractility. Positive changes occurred in the use of peripheral vasodilators affecting primarily the venous vascular bed. The prognosis got deteriorated due to digitalis intoxication. The authors emphasize the necessity of more careful follow-up of rheumatic heart disease patients at high risk of progressive heart decompensation.