compensated heart failure, an abnormal cardiac condition in which heart failure is compensated for by such mechanisms as increased sympathetic stimulation of the heart, fluid retention with increased venous return, increased end-diastolic ventricular volume and fiber length, and ventricular hypertrophy. Progressive decline in cardiac function may be minimized by the administration of beta-blockers, digitalis glycosides, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, to improve myocardial function and diuretics to relieve pulmonary and peripheral congestion. See also heart failure.
