Heart Failure (Oxford Specialist Handbooks in Cardiology)

Heart failure is an important and ever expanding sub-specialty of cardiology. Many health care professional bodies are now developing specialist expertise in heart failure. This is true for cardiologists in training, consultant cardiologists, care of the elderly and general physicians, cardiothoracic surgeons, primary care doctors, pharmacists and specialist nurses. With advances in medical therapy, the prognosis of the condition has improved dramatically. Whereas once heart failure was a pre-terminal diagnosis, now for many it is treatable. However, some patients remain symptomatic and at high risk of death depite maximal medical therapy. These patients can benefit from a range of novel device therapies. Of course for those who remain symptomatic despite optimal treatment, cardiac transplantation remains an option. This book comprehensively covers all aspects necessary to manage a patient with heart failure. It gives simple, clear advice on the diagnosis, investigation and treatment options available, highlighting the current evidence-base. The chapters provide concise and objective information to guide all health care professionals involved in modern day multi-disciplinary management of the syndrome. The book is set out logically to mirror the patient journey in heart failure. This book is the first practical manual of heart failure management that addresses the needs of all the health care professionals involved. The ultimate aim of this book is to facilitate the practice of optimal evidence-based management for heart failure patients.