[Guideline 1. Diagnosis of heart failure and ventricular dysfunction].

The criteria required for the diagnosis of the four clinical aspects of the congestive heart failure, that are needed for the correct management of patients are discussed: the diagnosis of the syndrome, mechanism (systolic or diastolic dysfunction), ethology and functional capacity. The "initial evaluation" of patients presenting with symptoms of heart failure is described to encourage an structured diagnostic approach and the cost/effective use of diagnostic methods.