PEDIATRIC HEART FAILURE: ETIOLOGY, CLINICAL FEATURES, AND CONTEMPORARY MANAGEMENT

This paper reviews the main aspects of heart failure in children, a syndrome that differs substantially from adult heart failure in its causes, presentation, and treatment. The etiology, pathophysiology, age-related clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and current therapeutic strategies are discussed. Particular attention is given to congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathies as leading causes, the role of echocardiography and natriuretic peptides in diagnosis, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. The findings emphasize that early recognition and cause-specific treatment are decisive for survival and quality of life.