Managing Heart Failure in Primary Care

Cardiac disease represents a major part of the general practitioners workload. It is estimated that in the UK alone, cardiac disease accounts for over 260,000 deaths each year. Heart failure is the most serious of all cardiac disorders with 50,000 new cases per annum and approximately one million patients in the UK undergoing treatment for heart failure; this figure rises to five million patients in Europe and over ten million Worldwide. Although care is shared between the specialist and the family practitioner, management of the disease is placing an ever increasing burden on the family practitioner. This book, written by two internationally respected opinion leaders aims to provide clear guidelines on the practical management of heart failure in primary care. Divided into twelve chapters, the book starts with a an assessment of the overall size of the problem, and looks at the burden the disease places on the Health Service, emphasizing the causes and aims of treatment. There then follows major sections on diagnosis and investigation, treatment related to change in lifestyle, and clear practical guidance on the various therapeutic treatments currently available.
Final chapters look at the multi-professional approach to management, the role of audit and standards and the importance of patient support groups and the issues raised by patient empowerment. The book concludes with key case studies and frequently asked questions. This volume is published in full colour and complemented by clear anatomical illustration, algorithms and flow charts. Highlighting and boxing are used throughout to emphasize key points and important issues in management regimes. Family practitioners in particular and all those involved in the management of heart failure will find this book an essential vade mecum for everyday practice.