Fast Facts: Heart Failure

Book excerpt: Effective new treatments - from drugs to surgery to devices - are revolutionizing both outcome and wellbeing in patients with heart failure. Written with the non-specialist in mind, this practical resource distills a lot of complex information into a refreshingly readable format, with clear informative diagrams and useful pull-out tables. Highlights include: • a concise discussion of the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to heart failure • a detailed review of the causes and comorbidities of heart failure • simple advice on diagnosis and investigation • clear management principles, including healthy lifestyle choices for patients • evidence-based guidance on first- and second-line drug therapies and medical management that targets the underlying cause • a comprehensive overview of non-pharmacological treatment options, including devices and transplantation • important information on palliative care in end-stage heart failure. 'Fast Facts: Heart Failure' is the ideal resource for primary care providers, specialist nurses and cardiology trainees, and a good introduction to heart failure for all healthcare professionals who care for the elderly. Contents: • Definitions and epidemiology • Pathophysiology and clinical stages • Causes • Comorbidities • Diagnosis • General management and lifestyle considerations • Pharmacological treatment • Non-pharmacological treatment • Prognosis • Clinical trials and developments • Useful resources