Heart failure is a devastating disease that causes debilitating symptoms and excess mortality. It affects more than 9.5 million persons in this country, with over 680,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Despite our best efforts, more than one-third of patients with heart failure are re-hospitalized within weeks of hospital discharge. Certainly as our population ages, the number of patients afflicted with this disease will grow. The economic burden now exceeds 10 billion dollars, and is forecasted to grow.
It is essential that heart failure is recognized promptly and proven therapies are applied to manage this chronic disease. Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in the care of these patients. Using a case-based approach, this course will enhance the attendees’ confidence in caring for these challenging patients.