Focused Update: Diagnosis and Management of Heart Failure in Adults

New recommendations regarding drug therapy in black patients, initiation of pharmacotherapy before hospital discharge, and use of natriuretic peptides; clarification of indications for device therapy

Sponsoring Organizations: American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association

Background and Purpose: This update, aimed at clinicians caring for patients with heart failure, incorporates the evidence base generated since the publication of the most recent (2005) ACC/AHA full guidelines for heart failure management (JW Cardiol Oct 14 2005).

Key Points:

1. Most recommendations concerning clinical assessment have not changed, and almost all carry a level of evidence of C (i.e., they are based on expert consensus rather than clinical data). The only change is an added recommendation that natriuretic peptides be used for risk stratification (Class IIa).

2. Class I recommendations on drug therapy for patients with LV systolic dysfunction (LVS…

Reviewing Author

Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBristol Myers Squibb; CPC Clinical Research

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; American College of Cardiology Self-Assessment Program (SAP)

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology (Chair, Innovations Committee)