Javascript required
Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

School Inlp Wp Uploads Pdf Aha Solution System

Table of Contents

Preamble e242

1. Introduction e245

1.1. Methodology and Evidence Review e245

1.2. Organization of the Writing Committee e245

1.3. Document Review and Approval e245

1.4. Scope of This Guideline With Reference to Other Relevant Guidelines or Statements e245

2. Definition of HF e246

2.1. HF With Reduced EF (HFrEF) e247

2.2. HF With Preserved EF (HFpEF) e247

3. HF Classifications e247

4. Epidemiology e248

4.1. Mortality e248

4.2. Hospitalizations e248

4.3. Asymptomatic LV Dysfunction e248

4.4. Health-Related Quality of Life and Functional Status e249

4.5. Economic Burden of HF e249

4.6. Important Risk Factors for HF (Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Metabolic Syndrome, and Atherosclerotic Disease) e249

5. Cardiac Structural Abnormalities and Other Causes of HF e249

5.1. Dilated Cardiomyopathies e249

5.1.1. Definition and Classification of Dilated Cardiomyopathies e249

5.1.2. Epidemiology and Natural History of DCM e250

5.2. Familial Cardiomyopathies e250

5.3. Endocrine and Metabolic Causes of Cardiomyopathy e250

5.3.1. Obesity e250

5.3.2. Diabetic Cardiomyopathy e250

5.3.3. Thyroid Disease e250

5.3.4. Acromegaly and Growth Hormone Deficiency e250

5.4. Toxic Cardiomyopathy e251

5.4.1. Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy e251

5.4.2. Cocaine Cardiomyopathy e251

5.4.3. Cardiotoxicity Related to Cancer Therapies e251

5.4.4. Other Myocardial Toxins and Nutritional Causes of Cardiomyopathy e251

5.5. Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy e251

5.6. Myocarditis and Cardiomyopathies Due to Inflammation e251

5.6.1. Myocarditis e251

5.6.2. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome e252

5.6.3. Chagas Disease e252

5.7. Inflammation-Induced Cardiomyopathy: Noninfectious Causes e252

5.7.1. Hypersensitivity Myocarditis e252

5.7.2. Rheumatological/Connective Tissue Disorders e252

5.8. Peripartum Cardiomyopathy e252

5.9. Cardiomyopathy Caused By Iron Overload e252

5.10. Amyloidosis e252

5.11. Cardiac Sarcoidosis e253

5.12. Stress (Takotsubo) Cardiomyopathy e253

6. Initial and Serial Evaluation of the HF Patient e253

6.1. Clinical Evaluation e253

6.1.1. History and Physical Examination: Recommendations e253

6.1.2. Risk Scoring: Recommendation e253

6.2. Diagnostic Tests: Recommendations e253

6.3. Biomarkers: Recommendations e255

6.3.1. Natriuretic Peptides: BNP or NT-proBNP e256

6.3.2. Biomarkers of Myocardial Injury: Cardiac Troponin T or I e256

6.3.3. Other Emerging Biomarkers e256

6.4. Noninvasive Cardiac Imaging: Recommendations e256

6.5. Invasive Evaluation: Recommendations e258

6.5.1. Right-Heart Catheterization e259

6.5.2. Left-Heart Catheterization e259

6.5.3. Endomyocardial Biopsy e260

7. Treatment of Stages A to D e260

7.1. Stage A: Recommendations e260

7.1.1. Recognition and Treatment of Elevated Blood Pressure e260

7.1.2. Treatment of Dyslipidemia and Vascular Risk e260

7.1.3. Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus e260

7.1.4. Recognition and Control of Other Conditions That May Lead to HF e260

7.2. Stage B: Recommendations e261

7.2.1. Management Strategies for Stage B e262

7.3. Stage C e262

7.3.1. Nonpharmacological Interventions e262

7.3.1.1. Education: Recommendation e262

7.3.1.2. Social Support e263

7.3.1.3. Sodium Restriction: Recommendation e263

7.3.1.4. Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Recommendation e263

7.3.1.5. Weight Loss e263

7.3.1.6. Activity, Exercise Prescription, and Cardiac Rehabilitation: Recommendations e264

7.3.2. Pharmacological Treatment for Stage C HFrEF: Recommendations e264

7.3.2.1. Diuretics: Recommendation e265

7.3.2.2. ACE Inhibitors: Recommendation e265

7.3.2.3. ARBs: Recommendations e267

7.3.2.4. Beta Blockers: Recommendation e267

7.3.2.5. Aldosterone Receptor Antagonists: Recommendations e268

7.3.2.6. Hydralazine and Isosorbide Dinitrate: Recommendations e270

7.3.2.7. Digoxin: Recommendation e271

7.3.2.8. Other Drug Treatment e271

7.3.2.8.1. Anticoagulation: Recommendations e271

7.3.2.8.2. Statins: Recommendation e272

7.3.2.8.3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Recommendation e272

7.3.2.9. Drugs of Unproven Value or That May Worsen HF: Recommendations e273

7.3.2.9.1. Nutritional Supplements and Hormonal Therapies e273

7.3.2.9.2. Antiarrhythmic Agents e273

7.3.2.9.3. Calcium Channel Blockers: Recommendation e273

7.3.2.9.4. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs e274

7.3.2.9.5. Thiazolidinediones e274

7.3.3. Pharmacological Treatment for Stage C HFpEF: Recommendations e274

7.3.4. Device Therapy for Stage C HFrEF: Recommendations e274

7.3.4.1. Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator e278

7.3.4.2. Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy e279

7.4. Stage D e280

7.4.1. Definition of Advanced HF e280

7.4.2. Important Considerations in Determining If the Patient Is Refractory e280

7.4.3. Water Restriction: Recommendation e280

7.4.4. Inotropic Support: Recommendations e281

7.4.5. Mechanical Circulatory Support: Recommendations e282

7.4.6. Cardiac Transplantation: Recommendation e283

8. The Hospitalized Patient e284

8.1. Classification of Acute Decompensated HF e284

8.2. Precipitating Causes of Decompensated HF: Recommendations e285

8.3. Maintenance of GDMT During Hospitalization: Recommendations e286

8.4. Diuretics in Hospitalized Patients: Recommendations e286

8.5. Renal Replacement Therapy—Ultrafiltration: Recommendations e287

8.6. Parenteral Therapy in Hospitalized HF: Recommendation e287

8.7. Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Hospitalized Patients: Recommendation e288

8.8. Arginine Vasopressin Antagonists: Recommendation e288

8.9. Inpatient and Transitions of Care: Recommendations e288

9. Important Comorbidities in HF e290

9.1. Atrial Fibrillation e290

9.2. Anemia e293

9.3. Depression e293

9.4. Other Multiple Comorbidities e293

10. Surgical/Percutaneous/Transcatheter Interventional Treatments of HF: Recommendations e293

11. Coordinating Care for Patients With Chronic HF e295

11.1. Coordinating Care for Patients With Chronic HF: Recommendations e295

11.2. Systems of Care to Promote Care Coordination for Patients With Chronic HF e296

11.3. Palliative Care for Patients With HF e296

12. Quality Metrics/Performance Measures: Recommendations e296

13. Evidence Gaps and Future Research Directions e299

References e299

Appendix 1. Author Relationships With Industry and Other Entities (Relevant) e320

Appendix 2. Reviewer Relationships With Industry and Other Entities (Relevant) e323

Appendix 3. Abbreviations e327

Preamble

The medical profession should play a central role in evaluating the evidence related to drugs, devices, and procedures for the detection, management, and prevention of disease. When properly applied, expert analysis of available data on the benefits and risks of these therapies and procedures can improve the quality of care, optimize patient outcomes, and favorably affect costs by focusing resources on the most effective strategies. An organized and directed approach to a thorough review of evidence has resulted in the production of clinical practice guidelines that assist clinicians in selecting the best management strategy for an individual patient. Moreover, clinical practice guidelines can provide a foundation for other applications, such as performance measures, appropriate use criteria, and both quality improvement and clinical decision support tools.

The American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have jointly produced guidelines in the area of cardiovascular disease since 1980. The ACCF/AHA Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Task Force), charged with developing, updating, and revising practice guidelines for cardiovascular diseases and procedures, directs and oversees this effort. Writing committees are charged with regularly reviewing and evaluating all available evidence to develop balanced, patient-centric recommendations for clinical practice.

Experts in the subject under consideration are selected by the ACCF and AHA to examine subject-specific data and write guidelines in partnership with representatives from other medical organizations and specialty groups. Writing committees are asked to perform a literature review; weigh the strength of evidence for or against particular tests, treatments, or procedures; and include estimates of expected outcomes where such data exist. Patient-specific modifiers, comorbidities, and issues of patient preference that may influence the choice of tests or therapies are considered. When available, information from studies on cost is considered, but data on efficacy and outcomes constitute the primary basis for the recommendations contained herein.

In analyzing the data and developing recommendations and supporting text, the writing committee uses evidence-based methodologies developed by the Task Force.1 The Class of Recommendation (COR) is an estimate of the size of the treatment effect considering risks versus benefits in addition to evidence and/or agreement that a given treatment or procedure is or is not useful/effective or in some situations may cause harm. The Level of Evidence (LOE) is an estimate of the certainty or precision of the treatment effect. The writing committee reviews and ranks evidence supporting each recommendation with the weight of evidence ranked as LOE A, B, or C according to specific definitions that are included in Table 1. Studies are identified as observational, retrospective, prospective, or randomized where appropriate. For certain conditions for which inadequate data are available, recommendations are based on expert consensus and clinical experience and are ranked as LOE C. When recommendations at LOE C are supported by historical clinical data, appropriate references (including clinical reviews) are cited if available. For issues for which sparse data are available, a survey of current practice among the clinicians on the writing committee is the basis for LOE C recommendations and no references are cited. The schema for COR and LOE are summarized in Table 1, which also provides suggested phrases for writing recommendations within each COR. A new addition to this methodology is separation of the Class III recommendations to delineate whether the recommendation is determined to be of "no benefit" or is associated with "harm" to the patient. In addition, in view of the increasing number of comparative effectiveness studies, comparator verbs and suggested phrases for writing recommendations for the comparative effectiveness of one treatment or strategy versus another have been added for COR I and IIa, LOE A or B only.

Table 1. Applying Classification of Recommendation and Level of Evidence

Table 1.

Table 1. Applying Classification of Recommendation and Level of Evidence

In view of the advances in medical therapy across the spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, the Task Force has designated the term guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) to represent optimal medical therapy as defined by ACCF/AHA guideline–recommended therapies (primarily Class I). This new term, GDMT, will be used herein and throughout all future guidelines.

Because the ACCF/AHA practice guidelines address patient populations (and clinicians) residing in North America, drugs that are not currently available in North America are discussed in the text without a specific COR. For studies performed in large numbers of subjects outside North America, each writing committee reviews the potential influence of different practice patterns and patient populations on the treatment effect and relevance to the ACCF/AHA target population to determine whether the findings should inform a specific recommendation.

The ACCF/AHA practice guidelines are intended to assist clinicians in clinical decision making by describing a range of generally acceptable approaches to the diagnosis, management, and prevention of specific diseases or conditions. The guidelines attempt to define practices that meet the needs of most patients in most circumstances. The ultimate judgment regarding care of a particular patient must be made by the clinician and patient in light of all the circumstances presented by that patient. As a result, situations may arise for which deviations from these guidelines may be appropriate. Clinical decision making should involve consideration of the quality and availability of expertise in the area where care is provided. When these guidelines are used as the basis for regulatory or payer decisions, the goal should be improvement in quality of care. The Task Force recognizes that situations arise in which additional data are needed to inform patient care more effectively; these areas will be identified within each respective guideline when appropriate.

Prescribed courses of treatment in accordance with these recommendations are effective only if followed. Because lack of patient understanding and adherence may adversely affect outcomes, clinicians should make every effort to engage the patient's active participation in prescribed medical regimens and lifestyles. In addition, patients should be informed of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to a particular treatment and be involved in shared decision making whenever feasible, particularly for COR IIa and IIb, for which the benefit-to-risk ratio may be lower.

The Task Force makes every effort to avoid actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of industry relationships or personal interests among the members of the writing committee. All writing committee members and peer reviewers of the guideline are required to disclose all current healthcare-related relationships, including those existing 12 months before initiation of the writing effort. In December 2009, the ACCF and AHA implemented a new policy for relationship with industry and other entities (RWI) that requires the writing committee chair plus a minimum of 50% of the writing committee to have no relevant RWI (Appendix 1 includes the ACCF/AHA definition of relevance). These statements are reviewed by the Task Force and all members during each conference call and/or meeting of the writing committee and are updated as changes occur. All guideline recommendations require a confidential vote by the writing committee and must be approved by a consensus of the voting members. Members are not permitted to draft or vote on any text or recommendations pertaining to their RWI. Members who recused themselves from voting are indicated in the list of writing committee members, and specific section recusals are noted in Appendix 1. Authors' and peer reviewers' RWI pertinent to this guideline are disclosed in Appendixes 1 and 2, respectively. Additionally, to ensure complete transparency, writing committee members' comprehensive disclosure information—including RWI not pertinent to this document—is available as an online supplement. Comprehensive disclosure information for the Task Force is also available online at http://www.cardiosource.org/en/ACC/About-ACC/Who-We-Are/Leadership/Guidelines-and-Documents-Task-Forces.aspx. The work of writing committees is supported exclusively by the ACCF and AHA without commercial support. Writing committee members volunteered their time for this activity.

In an effort to maintain relevance at the point of care for practicing clinicians, the Task Force continues to oversee an ongoing process improvement initiative. As a result, in response to pilot projects, several changes to these guidelines will be apparent, including limited narrative text, a focus on summary and evidence tables (with references linked to abstracts in PubMed), and more liberal use of summary recommendation tables (with references that support LOE) to serve as a quick reference.

In April 2011, the Institute of Medicine released 2 reports: Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust and Finding What Works in Health Care: Standards for Systematic Reviews. 2,3 It is noteworthy that the ACCF/AHA practice guidelines are cited as being compliant with many of the proposed standards. A thorough review of these reports and of our current methodology is under way, with further enhancements anticipated.

The recommendations in this guideline are considered current until they are superseded by a focused update or the full-text guideline is revised. Guidelines are official policy of both the ACCF and AHA.

Jeffrey L. Anderson, MD, FACC, FAHA

Chair, ACCF/AHA Task Force on Practice Guidelines

1. Introduction

1.1. Methodology and Evidence Review

The recommendations listed in this document are, whenever possible, evidence based. An extensive evidence review was conducted through October 2011 and includes selected other references through April 2013. Searches were extended to studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted in human subjects and that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Reports, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Key search words included but were not limited to the following: heart failure, cardiomyopathy, quality of life, mortality, hospitalizations, prevention, biomarkers, hypertension, dyslipidemia, imaging, cardiac catheterization, endomyocardial biopsy, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor antagonists/blockers, beta blockers, cardiac, cardiac resynchronization therapy, defibrillator, device-based therapy, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, device implantation, medical therapy, acute decompensated heart failure, preserved ejection fraction, terminal care and transplantation, quality measures, and performance measures. Additionally, the committee reviewed documents related to the subject matter previously published by the ACCF and AHA. References selected and published in this document are representative and not all-inclusive.

To provide clinicians with a representative evidence base, whenever deemed appropriate or when published, the absolute risk difference and number needed to treat or harm are provided in the guideline (within tables), along with confidence intervals and data related to the relative treatment effects such as odds ratio, relative risk, hazard ratio, and incidence rate ratio.

1.2. Organization of the Writing Committee

The committee was composed of physicians and a nurse with broad expertise in the evaluation, care, and management of patients with heart failure (HF). The authors included general cardiologists, HF and transplant specialists, electrophysiologists, general internists, and physicians with methodological expertise. The committee included representatives from the ACCF, AHA, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, Heart Rhythm Society, and International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation.

1.3. Document Review and Approval

This document was reviewed by 2 official reviewers each nominated by both the ACCF and the AHA, as well as 1 to 2 reviewers each from the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Chest Physicians, Heart Rhythm Society, and International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, as well as 32 individual content reviewers (including members of the ACCF Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology Council, ACCF Cardiovascular Team Council, ACCF Council on Cardiovascular Care for Older Adults, ACCF Electrophysiology Committee, ACCF Heart Failure and Transplant Council, ACCF Imaging Council, ACCF Prevention Committee, ACCF Surgeons' Scientific Council, and ACCF Task Force on Appropriate Use Criteria). All information on reviewers' RWI was distributed to the writing committee and is published in this document (Appendix 2).

This document was approved for publication by the governing bodies of the ACCF and AHA and endorsed by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, American College of Chest Physicians, Heart Rhythm Society, and International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation.

1.4. Scope of This Guideline With Reference to Other Relevant Guidelines or Statements

This guideline covers multiple management issues for the adult patient with HF. Although there is an abundance of evidence addressing HF, for many important clinical considerations, this writing committee was unable to identify sufficient data to properly inform a recommendation. The writing committee actively worked to reduce the number of LOE "C" recommendations, especially for Class I−recommended therapies. Despite these limitations, it is apparent that much can be done for HF. Adherence to the clinical practice guidelines herein reproduced should lead to improved patient outcomes.Although of increasing importance, HF in children and congenital heart lesions in adults are not specifically addressed in this guideline. The reader is referred to publically available resources to address questions in these areas. However, this guideline does address HF with preserved ejection fraction (EF) in more detail and similarly revisits hospitalized HF. Additional areas of renewed interest are in stage D HF, palliative care, transition of care, and quality of care for HF. Certain management strategies appropriate for the patient at risk for HF or already affected by HF are also reviewed in numerous relevant clinical practice guidelines and scientific statements published by the ACCF/AHA Task Force on Practice Guidelines, AHA, ACCF Task Force on Appropriate Use Criteria, European Society of Cardiology, Heart Failure Society of America, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The writing committee saw no need to reiterate the recommendations contained in those guidelines and chose to harmonize recommendations when appropriate and eliminate discrepancies. This is especially the case for device-based therapeutics, where complete alignment between the HF guideline and the device-based therapy guideline was deemed imperative.4 Some recommendations from earlier guidelines have been updated as warranted by new evidence or a better understanding of earlier evidence, whereas others that were no longer accurate or relevant or which were overlapping were modified; recommendations from previous guidelines that were similar or redundant were eliminated or consolidated when possible.

The present document recommends a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications that constitute GDMT. GDMT is specifically referenced in the recommendations for the treatment of HF (Section 7.3.2). Both for GDMT and other recommended drug treatment regimens, the reader is advised to confirm dosages with product insert material and to evaluate carefully for contraindications and drug-drug interactions. Table 2 is a list of documents deemed pertinent to this effort and is intended for use as a resource; it obviates the need to repeat already extant guideline recommendations. Additional other HF guideline statements are highlighted as well for the purpose of comparison and completeness.

Table 2. Associated Guidelines and Statements

Title Organization Publication Year (Reference)
Guidelines
 Guidelines for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease ACCF/AHA 20085
 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation ACCF/AHA/HRS 20116–8
 Guideline for Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk in Asymptomatic Adults ACCF/AHA 20109
 Guideline for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery ACCF/AHA 201110
 Guidelines for Device-Based Therapy of Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities ACCF/AHA/HRS 20134
 Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy ACCF/AHA 201111
 Guideline for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ACCF/AHA/SCAI 201112
 Secondary Prevention and Risk Reduction Therapy for Patients With Coronary and Other Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease: 2011 Update AHA/ACCF 201113
 Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease ACCF/AHA/ACP/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS 201214
 Guideline for the Management of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction ACCF/AHA 201315
 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Unstable Angina/Non–ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction ACCF/AHA 201316
 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease ACCF/AHA 200817
 Comprehensive Heart Failure Practice Guideline HFSA 201018
 Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure ESC 201219
 Chronic Heart Failure: Management of Chronic Heart Failure in Adults in Primary and Secondary Care NICE 201020
 Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis ACCP 201221
 Guidelines for the Care of Heart Transplant Recipients ISHLT 201022
Statements
 Contemporary Definitions and Classification of the Cardiomyopathies AHA 200623
 Genetics and Cardiovascular Disease AHA 201224
 Appropriate Utilization of Cardiovascular Imaging in Heart Failure ACCF 201325
 Appropriate Use Criteria for Coronary Revascularization Focused Update ACCF 201226
 Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure NHLBI 200327
 Implications of Recent Clinical Trials for the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Guidelines NHLBI 200228
 Referral, Enrollment, and Delivery of Cardiac Rehabilitation/Secondary Prevention Programs at Clinical Centers and Beyond AHA/AACVPR 201129
 Decision Making in Advanced Heart Failure AHA 201230
 Recommendations for the Use of Mechanical Circulatory Support: Device Strategies and Patient Selection AHA 201231
 Advanced Chronic Heart Failure ESC 200732
 Oral Antithrombotic Agents for the Prevention of Stroke in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation AHA/ASA 201233
 Third Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction ESC/ACCF/AHA/WHF 201234

2. Definition of HF

HF is a complex clinical syndrome that results from any structural or functional impairment of ventricular filling or ejection of blood. The cardinal manifestations of HF are dyspnea and fatigue, which may limit exercise tolerance, and fluid retention, which may lead to pulmonary and/or splanchnic congestion and/or peripheral edema. Some patients have exercise intolerance but little evidence of fluid retention, whereas others complain primarily of edema, dyspnea, or fatigue. Because some patients present without signs or symptoms of volume overload, the term "heart failure" is preferred over "congestive heart failure." There is no single diagnostic test for HF because it is largely a clinical diagnosis based on a careful history and physical examination.

The clinical syndrome of HF may result from disorders of the pericardium, myocardium, endocardium, heart valves, or great vessels or from certain metabolic abnormalities, but most patients with HF have symptoms due to impaired left ventricular (LV) myocardial function. It should be emphasized that HF is not synonymous with either cardiomyopathy or LV dysfunction; these latter terms describe possible structural or functional reasons for the development of HF. HF may be associated with a wide spectrum of LV functional abnormalities, which may range from patients with normal LV size and preserved EF to those with severe dilatation and/or markedly reduced EF. In most patients, abnormalities of systolic and diastolic dysfunction coexist, irrespective of EF. EF is considered important in classification of patients with HF because of differing patient demographics, comorbid conditions, prognosis, and response to therapies35 and because most clinical trials selected patients based on EF. EF values are dependent on the imaging technique used, method of analysis, and operator. Because other techniques may indicate abnormalities in systolic function among patients with a preserved EF, it is preferable to use the terms preserved or reduced EF over preserved or reduced systolic function. For the remainder of this guideline, we will consistently refer to HF with preserved EF and HF with reduced EF as HFpEF and HFrEF, respectively (Table 3).

Table 3. Definitions of HFrEF and HFpEF

Classification EF (%) Description
I. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) ≤40 Also referred to as systolic HF. Randomized controlled trials have mainly enrolled patients with HFrEF, and it is only in these patients that efficacious therapies have been demonstrated to date.
II. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) ≥50 Also referred to as diastolic HF. Several different criteria have been used to further define HFpEF. The diagnosis of HFpEF is challenging because it is largely one of excluding other potential noncardiac causes of symptoms suggestive of HF. To date, efficacious therapies have not been identified.
 a. HFpEF, borderline 41 to 49 These patients fall into a borderline or intermediate group. Their characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes appear similar to those of patients with HFpEF.
 b. HFpEF, improved >40 It has been recognized that a subset of patients with HFpEF previously had HFrEF. These patients with improvement or recovery in EF may be clinically distinct from those with persistently preserved or reduced EF. Further research is needed to better characterize these patients.

2.1. HF With Reduced EF (HFrEF)

In approximately half of patients with HFrEF, variable degrees of LV enlargement may accompany HFrEF.36,37 The definition of HFrEF has varied, with guidelines of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%, <40%, and ≤40%.18,19,38 Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in patients with HF have mainly enrolled patients with HFrEF with an EF ≤35% or ≤40%, and it is only in these patients that efficacious therapies have been demonstrated to date. For the present guideline, HFrEF is defined as the clinical diagnosis of HF and EF ≤40%. Those with LV systolic dysfunction commonly have elements of diastolic dysfunction as well.39 Although coronary artery disease (CAD) with antecedent myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of HFrEF, many other risk factors (Section 4.6) may lead to LV enlargement and HFrEF.

2.2. HF With Preserved EF (HFpEF)

In patients with clinical HF, studies estimate that the prevalence of HFpEF is approximately 50% (range 40% to 71%).40 These estimates vary largely because of the differing EF cut-off criteria and challenges in diagnostic criteria for HFpEF. HFpEF has been variably classified as EF >40%, >45%, >50%, and ≥55%. Because some of these patients do not have entirely normal EF but also do not have major reduction in systolic function, the term preserved EF has been used. Patients with an EF in the range of 40% to 50% represent an intermediate group. These patients are often treated for underlying risk factors and comorbidities and with GDMT similar to that used in patients with HFrEF. Several criteria have been proposed to define the syndrome of HFpEF. These include a) clinical signs or symptoms of HF; b) evidence of preserved or normal LVEF; and c) evidence of abnormal LV diastolic dysfunction that can be determined by Doppler echocardiography or cardiac catheterization.41 The diagnosis of HFpEF is more challenging than the diagnosis of HFrEF because it is largely one of excluding other potential noncardiac causes of symptoms suggestive of HF. Studies have suggested that the incidence of HFpEF is increasing and that a greater portion of patients hospitalized with HF have HFpEF.42 In the general population, patients with HFpEF are usually older women with a history of hypertension. Obesity, CAD, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation (AF), and hyperlipidemia are also highly prevalent in HFpEF in population-based studies and registries.40,43 Despite these associated cardiovascular risk factors, hypertension remains the most important cause of HFpEF, with a prevalence of 60% to 89% from large controlled trials, epidemiological studies, and HF registries.44 It has been recognized that a subset of patients with HFpEF previously had HFrEF.45 These patients with improvement or recovery in EF may be clinically distinct from those with persistently preserved or reduced EF. Further research is needed to better characterize these patients.

See Online Data Supplement 1 for additional data on HFpEF.

3. HF Classifications

Both the ACCF/AHA stages of HF38 and the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification38,46 provide useful and complementary information about the presence and severity of HF. The ACCF/AHA stages of HF emphasize the development and progression of disease and can be used to describe individuals and populations, whereas the NYHA classes focus on exercise capacity and the symptomatic status of the disease (Table 4).

Table 4. Comparison of ACCF/AHA Stages of HF and NYHA Functional Classifications

ACCF/AHA Stages of HF38 NYHA Functional Classification46
A At high risk for HF but without structural heart disease or symptoms of HF None
B Structural heart disease but without signs or symptoms of HF I No limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause symptoms of HF.
C Structural heart disease with prior or current symptoms of HF I No limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause symptoms of HF.
II Slight limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest, but ordinary physical activity results in symptoms of HF.
III Marked limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest, but less than ordinary activity causes symptoms of HF.
IV Unable to carry on any physical activity without symptoms of HF, or symptoms of HF at rest.
D Refractory HF requiring specialized interventions IV Unable to carry on any physical activity without symptoms of HF, or symptoms of HF at rest.

The ACCF/AHA stages of HF recognize that both risk factors and abnormalities of cardiac structure are associated with HF. The stages are progressive and inviolate; once a patient moves to a higher stage, regression to an earlier stage of HF is not observed. Progression in HF stages is associated with reduced 5-year survival and increased plasma natriuretic peptide concentrations.47 Therapeutic interventions in each stage aimed at modifying risk factors (stage A), treating structural heart disease (stage B), and reducing morbidity and mortality (stages C and D) (covered in detail in Section 7) are reviewed in this document. The NYHA functional classification gauges the severity of symptoms in those with structural heart disease, primarily stages C and D. It is a subjective assessment by a clinician and can change frequently over short periods of time. Although reproducibility and validity may be problematic,48 the NYHA functional classification is an independent predictor of mortality.49 It is widely used in clinical practice and research and for determining the eligibility of patients for certain healthcare services.

See Online Data Supplement 2 for additional data on ACCF/AHA stages of HF and NYHA functional classifications.

4. Epidemiology

The lifetime risk of developing HF is 20% for Americans ≥40 years of age.50 In the United States, HF incidence has largely remained stable over the past several decades, with >650 000 new HF cases diagnosed annually.51–53 HF incidence increases with age, rising from approximately 20 per 1000 individuals 65 to 69 years of age to >80 per 1000 individuals among those ≥85 years of age.52 Approximately 5.1 million persons in the United States have clinically manifest HF, and the prevalence continues to rise.51 In the Medicare-eligible population, HF prevalence increased from 90 to 121 per 1000 beneficiaries from 1994 to 2003.52 HFrEF and HFpEF each make up about half of the overall HF burden.54 One in 5 Americans will be >65 years of age by 2050.55 Because HF prevalence is highest in this group, the number of Americans with HF is expected to significantly worsen in the future. Disparities in the epidemiology of HF have been identified. Blacks have the highest risk for HF.56 In the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study, incidence rate per 1000 person-years was lowest among white women52,53 and highest among black men,57 with blacks having a greater 5-year mortality rate than whites.58 HF in non-Hispanic black males and females has a prevalence of 4.5% and 3.8%, respectively, versus 2.7% and 1.8% in non-Hispanic white males and females, respectively.51

4.1. Mortality

Although survival has improved, the absolute mortality rates for HF remain approximately 50% within 5 years of diagnosis.53,59 In the ARIC study, the 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year case fatality rates after hospitalization for HF were 10.4%, 22%, and 42.3%, respectively.58 In another population cohort study with 5-year mortality data, survival for stage A, B, C, and D HF was 97%, 96%, 75%, and 20%, respectively.47 Thirty-day postadmission mortality rates decreased from 12.6% to 10.8% from 1993 to 2005; however, this was due to lower in-hospital death rates. Postdischarge mortality actually increased from 4.3% to 6.4% during the same time frame.60 These observed temporal trends in HF survival are primarily restricted to patients with reduced EF and are not seen in those with preserved EF.40

See Online Data Supplement 3 for additional data on mortality.

4.2. Hospitalizations

HF is the primary diagnosis in >1 million hospitalizations annually.51 Patients hospitalized for HF are at high risk for all-cause rehospitalization, with a 1-month readmission rate of 25%.61 In 2013, physician office visits for HF cost $1.8 billion. The total cost of HF care in the United States exceeds $30 billion annually, with over half of these costs spent on hospitalizations.51

4.3. Asymptomatic LV Dysfunction

The prevalence of asymptomatic LV systolic or diastolic dysfunction ranges from 6% to 21% and increases with age.62–64 In the Left Ventricular Dysfunction Prevention study, participants with untreated asymptomatic LV dysfunction had a 10% risk for developing HF symptoms and an 8% risk of death or HF hospitalization annually.65 In a community-based population, asymptomatic mild LV diastolic dysfunction was seen in 21% and moderate or severe diastolic dysfunction in 7%, and both were associated with an increased risk of symptomatic HF and mortality.64

4.4. Health-Related Quality of Life and Functional Status

HF significantly decreases health-related quality of life (HRQOL), especially in the areas of physical functioning and vitality.66,67 Lack of improvement in HRQOL after discharge from the hospital is a powerful predictor of rehospitalization and mortality.68,69 Women with HF have consistently been found to have poorer HRQOL than men.67,70 Ethnic differences also have been found, with Mexican Hispanics reporting better HRQOL than other ethnic groups in the United States.71 Other determinants of poor HRQOL include depression, younger age, higher body mass index (BMI), greater symptom burden, lower systolic blood pressure, sleep apnea, low perceived control, and uncertainty about prognosis.70,72–76 Memory problems may also contribute to poor HRQOL.76

Pharmacological therapy is not a consistent determinant of HRQOL; therapies such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) improve HRQOL only modestly or delay the progressive worsening of HRQOL in HF.77 At present, the only therapies shown to improve HRQOL are cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)78 and certain disease management and educational approaches.79–82 Self-care and exercise may improve HRQOL, but the results of studies evaluating these interventions are mixed.83–86 Throughout this guideline we refer to meaningful survival as a state in which HRQOL is satisfactory to the patient.

See Online Data Supplement 4 for additional data on HRQOL and functional capacity.

4.5. Economic Burden of HF

In 1 in 9 deaths in the United States, HF is mentioned on the death certificate. The number of deaths with any mention of HF was as high in 2006 as it was in 1995.51 Approximately 7% of all cardiovascular deaths are due to HF.

As previously noted, in 2013, HF costs in the United States exceeded $30 billion.51 This total includes the cost of healthcare services, medications, and lost productivity. The mean cost of HF-related hospitalizations was $23 077 per patient and was higher when HF was a secondary rather than the primary diagnosis. Among patients with HF in 1 large population study, hospitalizations were common after HF diagnosis, with 83% of patients hospitalized at least once and 43% hospitalized at least 4 times. More than half of the hospitalizations were related to noncardiovascular causes.87–89

4.6. Important Risk Factors for HF (Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Metabolic Syndrome, and Atherosclerotic Disease)

Many conditions or comorbidities are associated with an increased propensity for structural heart disease. The expedient identification and treatment of these comorbid conditions may forestall the onset of HF.14,27,90 A list of the important documents that codify treatment for these concomitant conditions appears in Table 2.

Hypertension

Hypertension may be the single most important modifiable risk factor for HF in the United States. Hypertensive men and women have a substantially greater risk for developing HF than normotensive men and women.91 Elevated levels of diastolic and especially systolic blood pressure are major risk factors for the development of HF.91,92 The incidence of HF is greater with higher levels of blood pressure, older age, and longer duration of hypertension. Long-term treatment of both systolic and diastolic hypertension reduces the risk of HF by approximately 50%.93–96 With nearly a quarter of the American population afflicted by hypertension and the lifetime risk of developing hypertension at >75% in the United States,97 strategies to control hypertension are a vital part of any public health effort to prevent HF.

Diabetes Mellitus

Obesity and insulin resistance are important risk factors for the development of HF.98,99 The presence of clinical diabetes mellitus markedly increases the likelihood of developing HF in patients without structural heart disease100 and adversely affects the outcomes of patients with established HF.101,102

Metabolic Syndrome

The metabolic syndrome includes any 3 of the following: abdominal adiposity, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein, hypertension, and fasting hyperglycemia. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the United States exceeds 20% of persons ≥20 years of age and 40% of those >40 years of age.103 The appropriate treatment of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia104 can significantly reduce the development of HF.

Atherosclerotic Disease

Patients with known atherosclerotic disease (eg, of the coronary, cerebral, or peripheral blood vessels) are likely to develop HF, and clinicians should seek to control vascular risk factors in such patients according to guidelines.13

5. Cardiac Structural Abnormalities and Other Causes of HF

5.1. Dilated Cardiomyopathies

5.1.1. Definition and Classification of Dilated Cardiomyopathies

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) refers to a large group of heterogeneous myocardial disorders that are characterized by ventricular dilation and depressed myocardial contractility in the absence of abnormal loading conditions such as hypertension or valvular disease. In clinical practice and multicenter HF trials, the etiology of HF has often been categorized into ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy, with the term DCM used interchangeably with nonischemic cardiomyopathy. This approach fails to recognize that "nonischemic cardiomyopathy" may include cardiomyopathies due to volume or pressure overload, such as hypertension or valvular heart disease, which are not conventionally accepted as DCM.105 With the identification of genetic defects in several forms of cardiomyopathies, a new classification scheme based on genomics was proposed in 2006.23 We recognize that classification of cardiomyopathies is challenging, mixing anatomic designations (ie, hypertrophic and dilated) with functional designations (ie, restrictive), and is unlikely to satisfy all users. The aim of the present guideline is to target appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies for preventing the development and progression of HF in patients with cardiomyopathies; we do not wish to redefine new classification strategies for cardiomyopathies.

5.1.2. Epidemiology and Natural History of DCM

The age-adjusted prevalence of DCM in the United States averages 36 cases per 100 000 population, and DCM accounts for 10 000 deaths annually.106 In most multicenter RCTs and registries in HF, approximately 30% to 40% of enrolled patients have DCM.107–109 Compared with whites, African Americans have almost a 3-fold increased risk for developing DCM, irrespective of comorbidities or socioeconomic factors.108–110 Sex-related differences in the incidence and prognosis of DCM are conflicting and may be confounded by differing etiologies.108,109,111 The prognosis in patients with symptomatic HF and DCM is relatively poor, with 25% mortality at 1 year and 50% mortality at 5 years.112 Approximately 25% of patients with DCM with recent onset of HF symptoms will improve within a short time even in the absence of optimal GDMT,113 but patients with symptoms lasting >3 months who present with severe clinical decompensation generally have less chance of recovery.113 Patients with idiopathic DCM have a lower total mortality rate than patients with other types of DCM.114 However, GDMT is beneficial in all forms of DCM.78,109,115–117

5.2. Familial Cardiomyopathies

Increasingly, it is recognized that many (20% to 35%) patients with an idiopathic DCM have a familial cardiomyopathy (defined as 2 closely related family members who meet the criteria for idiopathic DCM).118,119 Consideration of familial cardiomyopathies includes the increasingly important discovery of noncompaction cardiomyopathies. Advances in technology permitting high-throughput sequencing and genotyping at reduced costs have brought genetic screening to the clinical arena. For further information on this topic, the reader is referred to published guidelines, position statements, and expert consensus statements118,120–123 (Table 5).

Table 5. Screening of Family Members and Genetic Testing in Patients With Idiopathic or Familial DCM

Condition Screening of Family Members Genetic Testing
Familial DCM • First-degree relatives not known to be affected should undergo periodic, serial echocardiographic screening with assessment of LV function and size.• Frequency of screening is uncertain, but every 3–5 y is reasonable.118 • Genetic testing may be considered in conjunction with genetic counseling.118,121–123
Idiopathic DCM • Patients should inform first-degree relatives of their diagnosis.• Relatives should update their clinicians and discuss whether they should undergo screening by echocardiography. • The utility of genetic testing in this setting remains uncertain.• Yield of genetic testing may be higher in patients with significant cardiac conduction disease and/or a family history of premature sudden cardiac death.118,121–123

5.3. Endocrine and Metabolic Causes of Cardiomyopathy

5.3.1. Obesity

Obesity cardiomyopathy is defined as cardiomyopathy due entirely or predominantly to obesity (Section 7.3.1.5). Although the precise mechanisms causing obesity-related HF are not known, excessive adipose accumulation results in an increase in circulating blood volume. A subsequent, persistent increase in cardiac output, cardiac work, and systemic blood pressure124 along with lipotoxicity-induced cardiac myocyte injury and myocardial lipid accumulation have been implicated as potential mechanisms.125,126A study with participants from the Framingham Heart Study reported that after adjustment for established risk factors, obesity was associated with significant future risk of development of HF.99 There are no large-scale studies of the safety or efficacy of weight loss with diet, exercise, or bariatric surgery in obese patients with HF.

5.3.2. Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Diabetes mellitus is now well recognized as a risk factor for the development of HF independent of age, hypertension, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, or CAD. The association between mortality and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in patients with diabetes mellitus and HF appears U-shaped, with the lowest risk of death in those patients with modest glucose control (7.1%<HbA1c≤7.8%) and with increased risk with extremely high or low HbA1c levels.127 The optimal treatment strategy in patients with diabetes mellitus and HF is controversial; some studies have suggested potential harm with several glucose-lowering medications.127,128 The safety and efficacy of diabetes mellitus therapies in HF, including metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide analogues, await further data from prospective clinical trials.129–131 Treatment with thiazolidinediones (eg, rosiglitazone) is associated with fluid retention in patients with HF129,132 and should be avoided in patients with NYHA class II through IV HF.

5.3.3. Thyroid Disease

Hyperthyroidism has been implicated in causing DCM but most commonly occurs with persistent sinus tachycardia or AF and may be related to tachycardia.133 Abnormalities in cardiac systolic and diastolic performance have been reported in hypothyroidism. However, the classic findings of myxedema do not usually indicate cardiomyopathy. The low cardiac output results from bradycardia, decreased ventricular filling, reduced cardiac contractility, and diminished myocardial work.133,134

5.3.4. Acromegaly and Growth Hormone Deficiency

Impaired cardiovascular function has been associated with reduced life expectancy in patients with growth hormone deficiency and excess. Experimental and clinical studies implicate growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I in cardiac development.135 Cardiomyopathy associated with acromegaly is characterized by myocardial hypertrophy with interstitial fibrosis, lympho-mononuclear infiltration, myocyte necrosis, and biventricular concentric hypertrophy.135

5.4. Toxic Cardiomyopathy

5.4.1. Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy

Chronic alcoholism is one of the most important causes of DCM.136 The clinical diagnosis is suspected when biventricular dysfunction and dilatation are persistently observed in a heavy drinker in the absence of other known causes for myocardial disease. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy most commonly occurs in men 30 to 55 years of age who have been heavy consumers of alcohol for >10 years.137 Women represent approximately 14% of the alcoholic cardiomyopathy cases but may be more vulnerable with less lifetime alcohol consumption.136,138 The risk of asymptomatic alcoholic cardiomyopathy is increased in those consuming >90 g of alcohol per day (approximately 7 to 8 standard drinks per day) for >5 years.137 Interestingly, in the general population, mild to moderate alcohol consumption has been reported to be protective against development of HF.139,140 These paradoxical findings suggest that duration of exposure and individual genetic susceptibility play an important role in pathogenesis. Recovery of LV function after cessation of drinking has been reported.141 Even if LV dysfunction persists, the symptoms and signs of HF improve after abstinence.141

5.4.2. Cocaine Cardiomyopathy

Long-term abuse of cocaine may result in DCM even without CAD, vasculitis, or MI. Depressed LV function has been reported in 4% to 18% of asymptomatic cocaine abusers.142–144 The safety and efficacy of beta blockers for chronic HF due to cocaine use are unknown.145

5.4.3. Cardiotoxicity Related to Cancer Therapies

Several cytotoxic antineoplastic drugs, especially the anthracyclines, are cardiotoxic and can lead to long-term cardiac morbidity. Iron-chelating agents that prevent generation of oxygen free radicals, such as dexrazoxane, are cardioprotective,146,147 and reduce the occurrence and severity of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and development of HF.

Other antineoplastic chemotherapies with cardiac toxicity are the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin), high-dose cyclophosphamide, taxoids, mitomycin-C, 5-fluorouracil, and the interferons.148 In contrast to anthracycline-induced cardiac toxicity, trastuzumab-related cardiac dysfunction does not appear to increase with cumulative dose, nor is it associated with ultrastructural changes in the myocardium. However, concomitant anthracycline therapy significantly increases the risk for cardiotoxicity during trastuzumab treatment. The cardiac dysfunction associated with trastuzumab is most often reversible on discontinuation of treatment and initiation of standard medical therapy for HF.149 The true incidence and reversibility of chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity are not well documented, and meaningful interventions to prevent injury have not yet been elucidated.

5.4.4. Other Myocardial Toxins and Nutritional Causes of Cardiomyopathy

In addition to the classic toxins described above, a number of other toxic agents may lead to LV dysfunction and HF, including ephedra, cobalt, anabolic steroids, chloroquine, clozapine, amphetamine, methylphenidate, and catecholamines.150 Ephedra, which has been used for athletic performance enhancement and weight loss, was ultimately banned by the US Food and Drug Administration for its high rate of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including LV systolic dysfunction, development of HF, and sudden cardiac death (SCD).151

Primary and secondary nutritional deficiencies may lead to cardiomyopathy. Chronic alcoholism, anorexia nervosa, AIDS, and pregnancy can account for other rare causes of thiamine deficiency–related cardiomyopathy in the western world.152 Deficiency in l-carnitine, a necessary cofactor for fatty acid oxidation, may be associated with a syndrome of progressive skeletal myopathy and cardiomyopathy.153

5.5. Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy is a reversible cause of HF characterized by LV myocardial dysfunction caused by increased ventricular rate. The degree of dysfunction correlates with the duration and rate of the tachyarrhythmia. Virtually any supraventricular tachycardia with a rapid ventricular response may induce cardiomyopathy. Ventricular arrhythmias, including frequent premature ventricular complexes, may also induce cardiomyopathy. Maintenance of sinus rhythm or control of ventricular rate is critical to treating patients with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.154 Reversibility of the cardiomyopathy with treatment of the arrhythmia is the rule, although this may not be complete in all cases. The underlying mechanisms for this are not well understood.

Ventricular pacing at high rates may cause cardiomyopathy. Additionally, right ventricular pacing alone may exacerbate HF symptoms, increase hospitalization for HF, and increase mortality.155,156 Use of CRT in patients with a conduction delay due to pacing may result in improved LV function and functional capacity.

5.6. Myocarditis and Cardiomyopathies Due to Inflammation

5.6.1. Myocarditis

Inflammation of the heart may cause HF in about 10% of cases of initially unexplained cardiomyopathy.105,157 A variety of infectious organisms, as well as toxins and medications, most often postviral in origin, may cause myocarditis. In addition, myocarditis is also seen as part of other systemic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and other myocardial muscle diseases such as HIV cardiomyopathy and possibly peripartum cardiomyopathy. Presentation may be acute, with a distinct onset, severe hemodynamic compromise, and severe LV dysfunction as seen in acute fulminant myocarditis, or it may be subacute, with an indistinct onset and better-tolerated LV dysfunction.158 Prognosis varies, with spontaneous complete resolution (paradoxically most often seen with acute fulminant myocarditis)158 to the development of DCM despite immunosuppressive therapy.159 The role of immunosuppressive therapy is controversial.159 Targeting such therapy to specific individuals based on the presence or absence of viral genome in myocardial biopsy samples may improve response to immunosuppressive therapy.160

Giant cell myocarditis is a rare form of myocardial inflammation characterized by fulminant HF, often associated with refractory ventricular arrhythmias and a poor prognosis.161,162 Histologic findings include diffuse myocardial necrosis with numerous multinucleated giant cells without granuloma formation. Consideration for advanced HF therapies, including immunosuppression, mechanical circulatory support (MCS), and transplantation, is warranted.

5.6.2. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

The extent of immunodeficiency influences the incidence of HIV-associated DCM.163–165 In long-term echocardiographic follow-up,166 8% of initially asymptomatic HIV-positive patients were diagnosed with DCM during the 5-year follow-up. Whether early treatment with ACE inhibitors and/or beta blockers will prevent or delay disease progression in these patients is unknown at this time.

5.6.3. Chagas Disease

Although Chagas disease is a relatively uncommon cause of DCM in North America, it remains an important cause of death in Central and South America.167 Symptomatic chronic Chagas disease develops in an estimated 10% to 30% of infected persons, years or even decades after the Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Cardiac changes may include biventricular enlargement, thinning or thickening of ventricular walls, apical aneurysms, and mural thrombi. The conduction system is often affected, typically resulting in right bundle-branch block, left anterior fascicular block, or complete atrioventricular block.

5.7. Inflammation-Induced Cardiomyopathy: Noninfectious Causes

5.7.1. Hypersensitivity Myocarditis

Hypersensitivity to a variety of agents may result in allergic reactions that involve the myocardium, characterized by peripheral eosinophilia and a perivascular infiltration of the myocardium by eosinophils, lymphocytes, and histiocytes. A variety of drugs, most commonly the sulfonamides, penicillins, methyldopa, and other agents such as amphotericin B, streptomycin, phenytoin, isoniazid, tetanus toxoid, hydrochlorothiazide, dobutamine, and chlorthalidone, have been reported to cause allergic hypersensitivity myocarditis.168 Most patients are not clinically ill but may die suddenly, presumably secondary to an arrhythmia.

5.7.2. Rheumatological/Connective Tissue Disorders

Along with a number of cardiac abnormalities (eg, pericarditis, pericardial effusion, conduction system abnormalities, including complete atrioventricular heart block), DCM can be a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus and usually correlates with disease activity.169 Studies suggest that echocardiographic evidence of abnormal LV filling may reflect the presence of myocardial fibrosis and could be a marker of subclinical myocardial involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.170

Scleroderma is a rare cause of DCM. One echocardiographic study showed that despite normal LV dimensions or fractional shortening, subclinical systolic impairment was present in the majority of patients with scleroderma.171 Cardiac involvement in rheumatoid arthritis generally is in the form of myocarditis and/or pericarditis, and development of DCM is rare.172 Myocardial involvement in rheumatoid arthritis is thought to be secondary to microvasculitis and subsequent microcirculatory disturbances. Myocardial disease in rheumatoid arthritis can occur in the absence of clinical symptoms or abnormalities of the electrocardiogram (ECG).173

5.8. Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a disease of unknown cause in which LV dysfunction occurs during the last trimester of pregnancy or the early puerperium. It is reported in 1:1300 to 1:4000 live births.174 Risk factors for peripartum cardiomyopathy include advanced maternal age, multiparity, African descent, and long-term tocolysis. Although its etiology remains unknown, most theories have focused on hemodynamic and immunologic causes.174 The prognosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy is related to the recovery of ventricular function. Significant improvement in myocardial function is seen in 30% to 50% of patients in the first 6 months after presentation.174 However, for those patients who do not recover to normal or near-normal function, the prognosis is similar to other forms of DCM.175 Cardiomegaly that persists for >4 to 6 months after diagnosis indicates a poor prognosis, with a 50% mortality rate at 6 years. Subsequent pregnancy in women with a history of peripartum cardiomyopathy may be associated with a further decrease in LV function and can result in clinical deterioration, including death. However, if ventricular function has normalized in women with a history of peripartum cardiomyopathy, the risk may be less.174 There is an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, and anticoagulation is recommended, especially if ventricular dysfunction is persistent.

5.9. Cardiomyopathy Caused By Iron Overload

Iron overload cardiomyopathy manifests itself as systolic or diastolic dysfunction secondary to increased deposition of iron in the heart and occurs with common genetic disorders such as primary hemochromatosis or with lifetime transfusion requirements as seen in beta-thalassemia major.176 Hereditary hemochromatosis, an autosomal recessive disorder, is the most common hereditary disease of Northern Europeans, with a prevalence of approximately 5 per 1000. The actuarial survival rates of persons who are homozygous for the mutation of the hemochromatosis gene C282Y have been reported to be 95%, 93%, and 66%, at 5, 10, and 20 years, respectively.177 Similarly, in patients with thalassemia major, cardiac failure is one of the most frequent causes of death. Chelation therapy, including newer forms of oral chelators, such as deferoxamine, and phlebotomy, have dramatically improved the outcome of hemochromatosis, and the roles of gene therapy, hepcidin, and calcium channel blockers are being actively investigated.178

5.10. Amyloidosis

Cardiac amyloidosis involves the deposition of insoluble proteins as fibrils in the heart, resulting in HF. Primary or AL amyloidosis (monoclonal kappa or lambda light chains), secondary amyloidosis (protein A), familial TTR amyloidosis (mutant transthyretin), dialysis-associated amyloidosis (beta-2-microglobulin), or senile TTR amyloidosis (wild-type transthyretin) can affect the heart, but cardiac involvement is primarily encountered in AL and TTR amyloidosis.179 The disease can be rapidly progressive, and in patients with ventricular septum thickness >15 mm, LVEF <40%, and symptoms of HF, median survival may be <6 months.180 Cardiac biomarkers (eg, B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP], cardiac troponin) have been reported to predict response and progression of disease and survival.181 Three percent to 4% of African Americans carry an amyloidogenic allele of the human serum protein transthyretin (TTR V122I), which appears to increase risk for cardiac amyloid deposition after 65 years of age.182

5.11. Cardiac Sarcoidosis

Cardiac sarcoidosis is an underdiagnosed disease that may affect as many as 25% of patients with systemic sarcoidosis. Although most commonly recognized in patients with other manifestations of sarcoidosis, cardiac involvement may occur in isolation and go undetected. Cardiac sarcoidosis may present as asymptomatic LV dysfunction, HF, atrioventricular block, atrial or ventricular arrhythmia, and SCD.183 Although untested in clinical trials, early use of high-dose steroid therapy may halt or reverse cardiac damage.184 Cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiac positron emission tomographic scanning can identify cardiac involvement with patchy areas of myocardial inflammation and fibrosis. In the setting of ventricular tachyarrhythmia, patients may require placement of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention of SCD.185

5.12. Stress (Takotsubo) Cardiomyopathy

Stress cardiomyopathy is characterized by acute reversible LV dysfunction in the absence of significant CAD, triggered by acute emotional or physical stress.23 This phenomenon is identified by a distinctive pattern of "apical ballooning," first described in Japan as takotsubo, and often affects postmenopausal women.186 A majority of patients have a clinical presentation similar to that of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and may have transiently elevated cardiac enzymes.

6. Initial and Serial Evaluation of the HF Patient

6.1. Clinical Evaluation

6.1.1. History and Physical Examination: Recommendations
Class I
  1. A thorough history and physical examination should be obtained/performed in patients presenting with HF to identify cardiac and noncardiac disorders or behaviors that might cause or accelerate the development or progression of HF. (Level of Evidence: C)

  2. In patients with idiopathic DCM, a 3-generational family history should be obtained to aid in establishing the diagnosis of familial DCM. (Level of Evidence: C)

  3. Volume status and vital signs should be assessed at each patient encounter. This includes serial assessment of weight, as well as estimates of jugular venous pressure and the presence of peripheral edema or orthopnea.187–190 (Level of Evidence: B)

Despite advances in imaging technology and increasing availability of diagnostic laboratory testing, a careful history and physical examination remain the cornerstones in the assessment of patients with HF. The components of a focused history and physical examination for the patient with HF are listed in Table 6. The history provides clues to the etiology of the cardiomyopathy, including the diagnosis of familial cardiomyopathy (defined as ≥2 relatives with idiopathic DCM). Familial syndromes are now recognized to occur in 20% to 35% of patients with apparent idiopathic DCM118; thus, a 3-generation family history should be obtained. The history also provides information about the severity of the disease and the patient's prognosis and identifies opportunities for therapeutic interventions. The physical examination provides information about the severity of illness and allows assessment of volume status and adequacy of perfusion. In advanced HFrEF, orthopnea and jugular venous pressure are useful findings to detect elevated LV filling pressures.187,189,190

Table 6. History and Physical Examination in HF

Comments
History
 Potential clues suggesting etiology of HF A careful family history may identify an underlying familial cardiomyopathy in patients with idiopathic DCM.118 Other etiologies outlined in Section 5 should be considered as well.
 Duration of illness A patient with recent-onset systolic HF may recover over time.113
 Severity and triggers of dyspnea and fatigue, presence of chest pain, exercise capacity, physical activity, sexual activity To determine NYHA class; identify potential symptoms of coronary ischemia.
 Anorexia and early satiety, weight loss Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in patients with HF. Cardiac cachexia is associated with adverse prognosis.191
 Weight gain Rapid weight gain suggests volume overload.
 Palpitations, (pre)syncope, ICD shocks Palpitations may be indications of paroxysmal AF or ventricular tachycardia. ICD shocks are associated with adverse prognosis.192
 Symptoms suggesting transient ischemic attack or thromboembolism Affects consideration of the need for anticoagulation.
 Development of peripheral edema or ascites Suggests volume overload.
 Disordered breathing at night, sleep problems Treatment for sleep apnea may improve cardiac function and decrease pulmonary hypertension.193
 Recent or frequent prior hospitalizations for HF Associated with adverse prognosis.194
 History of discontinuation of medications for HF Determine whether lack of GDMT in patients with HFrEF reflects intolerance, an adverse event, or perceived contraindication to use. Withdrawal of these medications has been associated with adverse prognosis.195,196
 Medications that may exacerbate HF Removal of such medications may represent a therapeutic opportunity.
 Diet Awareness and restriction of sodium and fluid intake should be assessed.
 Adherence to medical regimen Access to medications; family support; access to follow-up; cultural sensitivity
Physical Examination
 BMI and evidence of weight loss Obesity may be a contributing cause of HF; cachexia may correspond with poor prognosis.
 Blood pressure (supine and upright) Assess for hypertension or hypotension. Width of pulse pressure may reflect adequacy of cardiac output. Response of blood pressure to Valsalva maneuver may reflect LV filling pressures.197
 Pulse Manual palpation will reveal strength and regularity of pulse rate.
 Examination for orthostatic changes in blood pressure and heart rate Consistent with volume depletion or excess vasodilation from medications.
 Jugular venous pressure at rest and following abdominal compression http://wn.com/jugular_venous_distension_example Most useful finding on physical examination to identify congestion.187–190,198
 Presence of extra heart sounds and murmurs S3 is associated with adverse prognosis in HFrEF.188 Murmurs may be suggestive of valvular heart disease.
 Size and location of point of maximal impulse Enlarged and displaced point of maximal impulse suggests ventricular enlargement.
 Presence of right ventricular heave Suggests significant right ventricular dysfunction and/or pulmonary hypertension.
 Pulmonary status: respiratory rate, rales, pleural effusion In advanced chronic HF, rales are often absent despite major pulmonary congestion.
 Hepatomegaly and/or ascites Usually markers of volume overload.
 Peripheral edema Many patients, particularly those who are young, may be not edematous despite intravascular volume overload. In obese patients and elderly patients, edema may reflect peripheral rather than cardiac causes.
 Temperature of lower extremities Cool lower extremities may reflect inadequate cardiac output.

See Online Data Supplements 5, 6, and 7 for additional data on stress testing and clinical evaluation.

6.1.2. Risk Scoring: Recommendation
Class IIa
  1. Validated multivariable risk scores can be useful to estimate subsequent risk of mortality in ambulatory or hospitalized patients with HF.199–207 (Level of Evidence: B)

In the course of standard evaluation, clinicians should routinely assess the patient's potential for adverse outcome, because accurate risk stratification may help guide therapeutic decision making, including a more rapid transition to advanced HF therapies. A number of methods objectively assess risk, including biomarker testing (Section 6.3), as well as a variety of multivariable clinical risk scores (Table 7); these risk scores are for use in ambulatory199,203,205,206,208 and hospitalized patients.200,202,204,205,209 Risk models specifically for patients with HFpEF have also been described.201

Table 7. Selected Multivariable Risk Scores to Predict Outcome in HF

Risk Score Reference/Link
Chronic HF
 All patients with chronic HF
  Seattle Heart Failure Model 203/http://SeattleHeartFailureModel.org
  Heart Failure Survival Score 199/http://handheld.softpedia.com/get/Health/Calculator/HFSS-Calc-37354.shtml
  CHARM Risk Score 206
  CORONA Risk Score 207
 Specific to chronic HFpEF
  I-PRESERVE Score 201
Acutely decompensated HF
 ADHERE Classification and Regression Tree (CART) Model 200
 American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines Score 205/http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthcareProfessional/GetWithTheGuidelinesHFStroke/GetWithTheGuidelinesHeartFailureHomePage/Get-With-The-Guidelines-Heart-Failure-Home-%20Page_UCM_306087_SubHomePage.jsp
 EFFECT Risk Score 202/http://www.ccort.ca/Research/CHFRiskModel.aspx
 ESCAPE Risk Model and Discharge Score 214
 OPTIMIZE HF Risk-Prediction Nomogram 215

One well-validated risk score, the Seattle Heart Failure Model, is available in an interactive application on the Internet210 and provides robust information about risk of mortality in ambulatory patients with HF. For patients hospitalized with acutely decompensated HF, the model developed by ADHERE (Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry) incorporates 3 routinely measured variables on hospital admission (ie, systolic blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine) and stratifies subjects into categories with a 10-fold range of crude in-hospital mortality (from 2.1% to 21.9%).200 Notably, clinical risk scores have not performed as well in estimating risk of hospital readmission.211 For this purpose, biomarkers such as natriuretic peptides hold considerable promise212,213 (Section 6.3).

See Online Data Supplement 8 for additional data on clinical evaluation risk scoring.

6.2. Diagnostic Tests: Recommendations

Class I
  1. Initial laboratory evaluation of patients presenting with HF should include complete blood count, urinalysis, serum electrolytes (including calcium and magnesium), blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, glucose, fasting lipid profile, liver function tests, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. (Level of Evidence: C)

  2. Serial monitoring, when indicated, should include serum electrolytes and renal function. (Level of Evidence: C)

  3. A 12-lead ECG should be performed initially on all patients presenting with HF. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class IIa
  • Screening for hemochromatosis or HIV is reasonable in selected patients who present with HF.216 (Level of Evidence: C)

  • Diagnostic tests for rheumatologic diseases, amyloidosis, or pheochromocytoma are reasonable in patients presenting with HF in whom there is a clinical suspicion of these diseases. (Level of Evidence: C)

6.3. Biomarkers: Recommendations

A. Ambulatory/Outpatient
Class I
  1. In ambulatory patients with dyspnea, measurement of BNP or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is useful to support clinical decision making regarding the diagnosis of HF, especially in the setting of clinical uncertainty.217–223 (Level of Evidence: A)

  2. Measurement of BNP or NT-proBNP is useful for establishing prognosis or disease severity in chronic HF.222,224–229 (Level of Evidence: A)

Class IIa
  1. BNP- or NT-proBNPguided HF therapy can be useful to achieve optimal dosing of GDMT in select clinically euvolemic patients followed in a well-structured HF disease management program.230–237 (Level of Evidence: B)

Class IIb
  1. The usefulness of serial measurement of BNP or NT-proBNP to reduce hospitalization or mortality in patients with HF is not well established. 230–237 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. Measurement of other clinically available tests such as biomarkers of myocardial injury or fibrosis may be considered for additive risk stratification in patients with chronic HF.238–244 (Level of Evidence: B)

B. Hospitalized/Acute
Class I
  1. Measurement of BNP or NT-proBNP is useful to support clinical judgment for the diagnosis of acutely decompensated HF, especially in the setting of uncertainty for the diagnosis.212,245–250 (Level of Evidence: A)

  2. Measurement of BNP or NT-proBNP and/or cardiac troponin is useful for establishing prognosis or disease severity in acutely decompensated HF.248,251–258 (Level of Evidence: A)

Class IIb
  1. The usefulness of BNP- or NT-proBNPguided therapy for acutely decompensated HF is not well established.259,260 (Level of Evidence: C)

  2. Measurement of other clinically available tests such as biomarkers of myocardial injury or fibrosis may be considered for additive risk stratification in patients with acutely decompensated HF.248,253,256,257,261–267 (Level of Evidence: A)

In addition to routine clinical laboratory tests, other biomarkers are gaining greater attention for their utility in HF management. These biomarkers may reflect various pathophysiological aspects of HF, including myocardial wall stress, hemodynamic abnormalities, inflammation, myocyte injury, neurohormonal upregulation, and myocardial remodeling, as well as extracellular matrix turnover. Thus, these biomarkers are potentially powerful adjuncts to current standards for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of acute and chronic HF.

6.3.1. Natriuretic Peptides: BNP or NT-proBNP

BNP or its amino-terminal cleavage equivalent (NT-proBNP) is derived from a common 108-amino acid precursor peptide (proBNP108) that is generated by cardiomyocytes in the context of numerous triggers, most notably myocardial stretch. Following several steps of processing, BNP and NT-proBNP are released from the cardiomyocyte, along with variable amounts of proBNP108, the latter of which is detected by all assays that measure either "BNP" or "NT-proBNP."

Assays for BNP and NT-proBNP have been increasingly used to establish the presence and severity of HF. In general, BNP and NT-proBNP values are reasonably correlated, and either can be used in patient care settings as long as their respective absolute values and cut points are not used interchangeably. BNP and NT-proBNP are useful to support clinical judgment for the diagnosis or exclusion of HF, in the setting of chronic ambulatory HF217–223 or acute decompensated HF245–250; the value of natriuretic peptide testing is particularly significant when the etiology of dyspnea is unclear.

Although lower values of BNP or NT-proBNP exclude the presence of HF and higher values have reasonably high positive predictive value to diagnose HF, clinicians should be aware that elevated plasma levels for both natriuretic peptides have been associated with a wide variety of cardiac and noncardiac causes (Table 8).268–271

Table 8. Selected Causes of Elevated Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations

Cardiac
• Heart failure, including RV syndromes• Acute coronary syndrome• Heart muscle disease, including LVH• Valvular heart disease• Pericardial disease• Atrial fibrillation• Myocarditis• Cardiac surgery• Cardioversion
Noncardiac
• Advancing age• Anemia• Renal failure• Pulmonary: obstructive sleep apnea, severe pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension• Critical illness• Bacterial sepsis• Severe burns• Toxic-metabolic insults, including cancer chemotherapy and envenomation

BNP and NT-proBNP levels improve with treatment of chronic HF,225,272–274 with lowering of levels over time in general, correlating with improved clinical outcomes.248,251,254,260 Thus, BNP or NT-proBNP "guided" therapy has been studied against standard care without natriuretic peptide measurement to determine whether guided therapy renders superior achievement of GDMT in patients with HF. However, RCTs have yielded inconsistent results.

The positive and negative natriuretic peptide–guided therapy trials differ primarily in their study populations, with successful trials enrolling younger patients and only those with HFrEF. In addition, a lower natriuretic peptide goal and/or a substantial reduction in natriuretic peptides during treatment are consistently present in the positive "guided" therapy trials.275 Although most trials examining the strategy of biomarker "guided" HF management were small and underpowered, 2 comprehensive meta-analyses concluded that BNP-guided therapy reduces all-cause mortality in patients with chronic HF compared with usual clinical care,231,232 especially in patients <75 years of age. This survival benefit may be attributed to increased achievement of GDMT. In some cases, BNP or NT-proBNP levels may not be easily modifiable. If the BNP or NT-proBNP value does not fall after aggressive HF care, risk for death or hospitalization for HF is significant. On the other hand, some patients with advanced HF have normal BNP or NT-proBNP levels or have falsely low BNP levels because of obesity and HFpEF. All of these patients should still receive appropriate GDMT.

6.3.2. Biomarkers of Myocardial Injury: Cardiac Troponin T or I

Abnormal concentrations of circulating cardiac troponin are found in patients with HF, often without obvious myocardial ischemia and frequently in those without underlying CAD. This suggests ongoing myocyte injury or necrosis in these patients.238–241,276 In chronic HF, elaboration of cardiac troponins is associated with impaired hemodynamics,238 progressive LV dysfunction,239 and increased mortality rates.238–241,276 Similarly, in patients with acute decompensated HF, elevated cardiac troponin levels are associated with worse clinical outcomes and mortality253,257,263; decrease in troponin levels over time with treatment is associated with a better prognosis than persistent elevation in patients with chronic239 or acute HF.277 Given the tight association with ACS and troponin elevation as well as the link between MI and the development of acute HF,278 the measurement of troponin I or T should be routine in patients presenting with acutely decompensated HF syndromes.

6.3.3. Other Emerging Biomarkers

Besides natriuretic peptides or troponins, multiple other biomarkers, including those reflecting inflammation, oxidative stress, neurohormonal disarray, and myocardial and matrix remodeling, have been widely examined for their prognostic value in HF. Biomarkers of myocardial fibrosis, soluble ST2 and galectin-3 are not only predictive of hospitalization and death in patients with HF but also additive to natriuretic peptide levels in their prognostic value. Markers of renal injury may also offer additional prognostic value because renal function or injury may be involved in the pathogenesis, progression, decompensation, or complications in chronic or acute decompensated HF.242–244,264,265,279 Strategies that combine multiple biomarkers may ultimately prove beneficial in guiding HF therapy in the future.

See Table 9 for a summary of recommendations from this section.

Table 9. Recommendations for Biomarkers in HF

Table 9.

Table 9. Recommendations for Biomarkers in HF

6.4. Noninvasive Cardiac Imaging: Recommendations

See Table 10 for a summary of recommendations from this section.

Table 10. Recommendations for Noninvasive Cardiac Imaging

Table 10.

Table 10. Recommendations for Noninvasive Cardiac Imaging

Class I
  1. Patients with suspected or new-onset HF, or those presenting with acute decompensated HF, should undergo a chest x-ray to assess heart size and pulmonary congestion and to detect alternative cardiac, pulmonary, and other diseases that may cause or contribute to the patient's symptoms. (Level of Evidence: C)

  2. A 2-dimensional echocardiogram with Doppler should be performed during initial evaluation of patients presenting with HF to assess ventricular function, size, wall thickness, wall motion, and valve function. (Level of Evidence: C)

  3. Repeat measurement of EF and measurement of the severity of structural remodeling are useful to provide information in patients with HF who have had a significant change in clinical status; who have experienced or recovered from a clinical event; or who have received treatment, including GDMT, that might have had a significant effect on cardiac function; or who may be candidates for device therapy. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class IIa
  1. Noninvasive imaging to detect myocardial ischemia and viability is reasonable in patients presenting with de novo HF, who have known CAD and no angina, unless the patient is not eligible for revascularization of any kind. (Level of Evidence: C)

  2. Viability assessment is reasonable in select situations when planning revascularization in HF patients with CAD.281–285 (Level of Evidence: B)

  3. Radionuclide ventriculography or magnetic resonance imaging can be useful to assess LVEF and volume when echocardiography is inadequate. (Level of Evidence: C)

  4. Magnetic resonance imaging is reasonable when assessing myocardial infiltrative processes or scar burden.286–288 (Level of Evidence: B)

Class III: No Benefit
  1. Routine repeat measurement of LV function assessment in the absence of clinical status change or treatment interventions should not be performed.289,290 (Level of Evidence: B)

The chest x-ray is important for the evaluation of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of HF because it assesses cardiomegaly and pulmonary congestion and may reveal alternative causes, cardiopulmonary or otherwise, of the patient's symptoms. Apart from congestion, however, other findings on chest x-ray are associated with HF only in the context of clinical presentation. Cardiomegaly may be absent in HF. A chest x-ray may also show other cardiac chamber enlargement, increased pulmonary venous pressure, interstitial or alveolar edema, valvular or pericardial calcification, or coexisting thoracic diseases. Considering its low sensitivity and specificity, the chest x-ray should not be the sole determinant of the specific cause of HF. Moreover, a supine chest x-ray has limited value in acute decompensated HF.

Although a complete history and physical examination are important first steps, the most useful diagnostic test in the evaluation of patients with or at risk for HF (eg, postacute MI) is a comprehensive 2-dimensional echocardiogram; coupled with Doppler flow studies, the transthoracic echocardiogram can identify abnormalities of myocardium, heart valves, and pericardium. Echocardiography can reveal subclinical HF and predict risk of subsequent events.291–295 Use of echocardiograms in patients with suspected HF improves disease identification and provision of appropriate medical care.296

Echocardiographic evaluation should address whether LVEF is reduced, LV structure is abnormal, and other structural abnormalities are present that could account for the clinical presentation. This information should be quantified, including numerical estimates of EF measurement, ventricular dimensions, wall thickness, calculations of ventricular volumes, and evaluation of chamber geometry and regional wall motion. Documentation of LVEF is an HF quality-of-care performance measure.297 Right ventricular size and function as well as atrial size and dimensions should also be measured. All valves should be evaluated for anatomic and flow abnormalities. Secondary changes, particularly the severity of mitral and tricuspid valve insufficiency, should be determined. Noninvasive hemodynamic data constitute important additional information. Mitral valve inflow pattern, pulmonary venous inflow pattern, and mitral annular velocity provide data about LV filling and left atrial pressure. The tricuspid valve regurgitant gradient, coupled with measurement of inferior vena cava diameter and its response during respiration, provides estimates of systolic pulmonary artery pressure and central venous pressure. Many of these abnormalities are prognostically important and can be present without manifest HF.

Serial echocardiographic evaluations are useful because evidence of cardiac reverse remodeling can provide important information in patients who have had a change in clinical status or have experienced or recovered from an event or treatment that affects cardiac function. However, the routine repeat assessment of ventricular function in the absence of changing clinical status or a change in treatment intervention is not indicated.

The preference for echocardiography as an imaging modality is due to its widespread availability and lack of ionizing radiation; however, other imaging modalities may be of use. Magnetic resonance imaging assesses LV volume and EF measurements at least as accurately as echocardiography. However, additional information about myocardial perfusion, viability, and fibrosis from magnetic resonance imaging can help identify HF etiology and assess prognosis.298 Magnetic resonance imaging provides high anatomical resolution of all aspects of the heart and surrounding structure, leading to its recommended use in known or suspected congenital heart diseases.5 Cardiac computed tomography can also provide accurate assessment of cardiac structure and function, including the coronary arteries.299 An advantage of cardiac computed tomography over echocardiography may be its ability to characterize the myocardium, but studies have yet to demonstrate the importance of this factor. Reports of cardiac computed tomography in patients with suspected HF are limited. Furthermore, both cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging lose accuracy with high heart rates. Radionuclide ventriculography may also be used for evaluation of cardiac function when other tests are unavailable or inadequate. However, as a planar technique, radionuclide ventriculography cannot directly assess valvular structure, function, or ventricular wall thickness; it may be more useful for assessing LV volumes in patients with significant baseline wall motion abnormalities or distorted geometry. Ventriculography is highly reproducible.300 Single photon emission computed tomography or positron emission tomography scans are not primarily used to determine LV systolic global and regional function unless these parameters are quantified from the resultant images during myocardial perfusion and/or viability assessment.301,302 Candidates for coronary revascularization who present with a high suspicion for obstructive CAD should undergo coronary angiography. Stress nuclear imaging or echocardiography may be an acceptable option for assessing ischemia in patients presenting with HF who have known CAD and no angina unless they are ineligible for revascularization.303 Although the results of the STICH (Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure) trial have cast doubt on the role of myocardial viability assessment to determine the mode of therapy,304 the data are nevertheless predictive of a positive outcome. When these data are taken into consideration with multiple previous studies demonstrating the usefulness of this approach,281–285 it becomes reasonable to recommend viability assessment when treating patients with HFrEF who have known CAD.14

See Online Data Supplement 9 for additional data on imaging−echocardiography.

6.5. Invasive Evaluation: Recommendations

See Table 11 for a summary of recommendations from this section.

Table 11. Recommendations for Invasive Evaluation

Table 11.

Table 11. Recommendations for Invasive Evaluation

Class I
  1. Invasive hemodynamic monitoring with a pulmonary artery catheter should be performed to guide therapy in patients who have respiratory distress or clinical evidence of impaired perfusion in whom the adequacy or excess of intracardiac filling pressures cannot be determined from clinical assessment. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class IIa
  1. Invasive hemodynamic monitoring can be useful for carefully selected patients with acute HF who have persistent symptoms despite empiric adjustment of standard therapies and

  2. whose fluid status, perfusion, or systemic or pulmonary vascular resistance is uncertain;

  3. whose systolic pressure remains low, or is associated with symptoms, despite initial therapy;

  4. whose renal function is worsening with therapy;

  5. who require parenteral vasoactive agents; or

  6. who may need consideration for MCS or transplantation. (Level of Evidence: C)

  7. When ischemia may be contributing to HF, coronary arteriography is reasonable for patients eligible for revascularization. (Level of Evidence: C)

  8. Endomyocardial biopsy can be useful in patients presenting with HF when a specific diagnosis is suspected that would influence therapy. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class III: No Benefit
  1. Routine use of invasive hemodynamic monitoring is not recommended in normotensive patients with acute decompensated HF and congestion with symptomatic response to diuretics and vasodilators.305 (Level of Evidence: B)

Class III: Harm
  1. Endomyocardial biopsy should not be performed in the routine evaluation of patients with HF. (Level of Evidence: C)

6.5.1. Right-Heart Catheterization

There has been no established role for routine or periodic invasive hemodynamic measurements in the management of HF. Most drugs used for the treatment of HF are prescribed on the basis of their ability to improve symptoms or survival rather than their effect on hemodynamic variables. The initial and target doses of these drugs are generally selected on the basis of controlled trial experience rather than changes produced in cardiac output or pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Hemodynamic monitoring is indicated in patients with clinically indeterminate volume status and those refractory to initial therapy, particularly if intracardiac filling pressures and cardiac output are unclear. Patients with clinically significant hypotension (systolic blood pressure typically <90 mm Hg or symptomatic low systolic blood pressure) and/or worsening renal function during initial therapy might also benefit from invasive hemodynamic measurements.305,306 Patients being considered for cardiac transplantation or placement of an MCS device are also candidates for complete right-heart catheterization, including an assessment of pulmonary vascular resistance, a necessary part of the initial transplantation evaluation. Invasive hemodynamic monitoring should be performed in patients with 1) presumed cardiogenic shock requiring escalating pressor therapy and consideration of MCS; 2) severe clinical decompensation in which therapy is limited by uncertain contributions of elevated filling pressures, hypoperfusion, and vascular tone; 3) apparent dependence on intravenous inotropic infusions after initial clinical improvement; or 4) persistent severe symptoms despite adjustment of recommended therapies. On the other hand, routine use of invasive hemodynamic monitoring is not recommended in normotensive patients with acute decompensated HF who have a symptomatic response to diuretics and vasodilators. This reinforces the concept that right-heart catheterization is best reserved for those situations where a specific clinical or therapeutic question needs to be addressed.

6.5.2. Left-Heart Catheterization

Left-heart catheterization or coronary angiography is indicated for patients with HF and angina and may be useful for those patients without angina but with LV dysfunction. Invasive coronary angiography should be used in accordance with the ACCF/AHA coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention guidelines10,12 and should only be performed in patients who are potentially eligible for revascularization.307–309 In patients with known CAD and angina or with significant ischemia diagnosed by ECG or noninvasive testing and impaired ventricular function, coronary angiography is indicated. Among those without a prior diagnosis, CAD should be considered as a potential etiology of impaired LV function and should be excluded wherever possible. Coronary angiography may be considered in these circumstances to detect and localize large-vessel coronary obstructions. In patients in whom CAD has been excluded as the cause of LV dysfunction, coronary angiography is generally not indicated unless a change in clinical status suggests interim development of ischemic disease.

6.5.3. Endomyocardial Biopsy

Endomyocardial biopsy can be useful when seeking a specific diagnosis that would influence therapy, and biopsy should thus be considered in patients with rapidly progressive clinical HF or worsening ventricular dysfunction that persists despite appropriate medical therapy. Endomyocardial biopsy should also be considered in patients suspected of having acute cardiac rejection status after heart transplantation or having myocardial infiltrative processes. A specific example is to determine chemotherapy for primary cardiac amyloidosis. Additional other indications for endomyocardial biopsy include in patients with rapidly progressive and unexplained cardiomyopathy, those in whom active myocarditis, especially giant cell myocarditis, is being considered.310 Routine endomyocardial biopsy is not recommended in all cases of HF, given limited diagnostic yield and the risk of procedure-related complications.

See Online Data Supplement 10 for additional data on biopsy.

7. Treatment of Stages A to D

7.1. Stage A: Recommendations

Class I
  1. Hypertension and lipid disorders should be controlled in accordance with contemporary guidelines to lower the risk of HF.27,94,311–314 (Level of Evidence: A)

  2. Other conditions that may lead to or contribute to HF, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, and known cardiotoxic agents, should be controlled or avoided. (Level of Evidence: C)

7.1.1. Recognition and Treatment of Elevated Blood Pressure

The lifetime risk for development of hypertension is considerable and represents a major public health issue.97 Elevated blood pressure is a major risk factor for the development of both HFpEF and HFrEF,91,92 a risk that extends across all age ranges. Long-term treatment of both systolic and diastolic hypertension has been shown to reduce the risk of incident HF by approximately 50%.94,311–314 Treatment of hypertension is particularly beneficial in older patients.311 One trial of a diuretic-based program demonstrated a number needed to treat of 52 to prevent 1 HF event in 2 years.311 In another study, elderly patients with a history or ECG evidence of prior MI had a >80% risk reduction for incident HF with aggressive blood pressure control.94 Given the robust outcomes with blood pressure reduction, clinicians should lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in accordance with published guidelines.27

Choice of antihypertensive therapy should also follow guidelines,27 with specific options tailored to concomitant medical problems, such as diabetes mellitus or CAD. Diuretic-based antihypertensive therapy has repeatedly been shown to prevent HF in a wide range of patients; ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and beta blockers are also effective. Data are less clear for calcium antagonists and alpha blockers in reducing the risk for incident HF.

7.1.2. Treatment of Dyslipidemia and Vascular Risk

Patients with known atherosclerotic disease are likely to develop HF. Clinicians should seek to control vascular risk factors in such patients according to guidelines.28 Aggressive treatment of hyperlipidemia with statins reduces the likelihood of HF in at-risk patients.315,316 Long-term treatment with ACE inhibitors in similar patients may also decrease the risk of HF.314,317

7.1.3. Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus

Obesity and overweight have been repeatedly linked to an increased risk for HF.99,318,319 Presumably, the link between obesity and risk for HF is explained by the clustering of risk factors for heart disease in those with elevated BMI (ie, the metabolic syndrome). Similarly, insulin resistance, with or without diabetes mellitus, is also an important risk factor for the development of HF.92,320–323 Diabetes mellitus is an especially important risk factor for women and may, in fact, triple the risk for developing HF.91,324 Dysglycemia appears to be directly linked to risk, with HbA1c concentrations powerfully predicting incident HF. Those with HbA1c >10.5% had a nearly 4-fold increase in the risk for HF compared with those with a value of <6.5%.322 Current consensus advocates that clinicians should make every effort to control hyperglycemia, although such control has not yet been shown to reduce the subsequent risk of HF. Additionally, standard therapies for diabetes mellitus, such as use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs, can prevent the development of other risk factors for HF, such as renal dysfunction,325,326 and may themselves directly lower the likelihood of HF.327–329 Although risk models for the development of incident HF in patients with diabetes mellitus have been developed,323 their prospective use to reduce risk has not been validated. Despite the lack of supportive, prospective, randomized data, consensus exists that risk factor recognition and modification are vital for the prevention of HF among at-risk patients (eg, obese patients or patients with diabetes mellitus).

7.1.4. Recognition and Control of Other Conditions That May Lead to HF

A substantial genetic risk exists in some patients for the development of HF. As noted in Section 6.1, obtaining a 3-generation family history of HF is recommended. Adequate therapy of AF is advisable, given a clear association between uncontrolled heart rate and development of HF. Many therapeutic agents can exert important cardiotoxic effects, with consequent risk for HF, and clinicians should be aware of such risk. For example, cardiotoxic chemotherapy regimens (particularly anthracycline based) and trastuzumab may increase the risk for HF in certain patients330–332; it may be reasonable to evaluate those who are receiving (or who have received) such agents for LV dysfunction. The use of advanced echocardiographic techniques or biomarkers to identify increased HF risk in those receiving chemotherapy may be useful but remain unvalidated as yet.333

Tobacco use is strongly associated with risk for incident HF,92,320,334 and patients should be strongly advised about the hazards of smoking, with attendant efforts at quitting. Cocaine and amphetamines are anecdotally but strongly associated with HF, and their avoidance is mandatory. Although it is recognized that alcohol consumption is associated with subsequent development of HF,92,139,140 there is some uncertainty about the amount of alcohol ingested and the likelihood of developing HF, and there may be sex differences as well. Nevertheless, the heavy use of alcohol has repeatedly been associated with heightened risk for development of HF. Therefore, patients should be counseled about their alcohol intake.

Although several epidemiological studies have revealed an independent link between risk for incident HF and biomarkers such as natriuretic peptides,335,336 highly sensitive troponin,337 and measures of renal function such as creatinine, phosphorus, urinary albumin, or albumin-creatinine ratio,320,323,334,336,338–340 it remains unclear whether the risk for HF reflected by any of these biomarkers is modifiable. Although routine screening with BNP before echocardiography may be a cost-effective strategy to identify high-risk patients,341 routine measurement of biomarkers in stage A patients is not yet justified.

See Online Data Supplement 11 for additional data on stage A HF.

7.2. Stage B: Recommendations

See Table 12 for a summary of recommendations from this section.

Table 12. Recommendations for Treatment of Stage B HF

Table 12.

Table 12. Recommendations for Treatment of Stage B HF

Class I
  1. In all patients with a recent or remote history of MI or ACS and reduced EF, ACE inhibitors should be used to prevent symptomatic HF and reduce mortality.342–344 In patients intolerant of ACE inhibitors, ARBs are appropriate unless contraindicated.314,345 (Level of Evidence: A)

  2. In all patients with a recent or remote history of MI or ACS and reduced EF, evidence-based beta blockers should be used to reduce mortality.346–348 (Level of Evidence: B)

  3. In all patients with a recent or remote history of MI or ACS, statins should be used to prevent symptomatic HF and cardiovascular events.104,349–354 (Level of Evidence: A)

  4. In patients with structural cardiac abnormalities, including LV hypertrophy, in the absence of a history of MI or ACS, blood pressure should be controlled in accordance with clinical practice guidelines for hypertension to prevent symptomatic HF.27,94,311–313 (Level of Evidence: A)

  5. ACE inhibitors should be used in all patients with a reduced EF to prevent symptomatic HF, even if they do not have a history of MI.65,344 (Level of Evidence: A)

  6. Beta blockers should be used in all patients with a reduced EF to prevent symptomatic HF, even if they do not have a history of MI. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class IIa
  1. To prevent sudden death, placement of an ICD is reasonable in patients with asymptomatic ischemic cardiomyopathy who are at least 40 days post-MI, have an LVEF of 30% or less, are on appropriate medical therapy, and have reasonable expectation of survival with a good functional status for more than 1 year.355 (Level of Evidence: B)

Class III: Harm
  1. Nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers with negative inotropic effects may be harmful in asymptomatic patients with low LVEF and no symptoms of HF after MI. (Level of Evidence: C)

Patients with reduced LVEF may not have HF symptoms and are most often identified during an evaluation for another disorder (eg, abnormal heart sounds, abnormal ECG, abnormal chest x-ray, hypertension or hypotension, an arrhythmia, acute MI, or pulmonary or systemic thromboembolic event). However, the cost-effectiveness of routine periodic population screening for asymptomatic reduced LVEF is not recommended at this time. Echocardiographic evaluation should be performed in selected patients who are at high risk of reduced LVEF (eg, those with a strong family history of cardiomyopathy, long-standing hypertension, previous MI, or those receiving cardiotoxic therapies). In addition, it should be acknowledged that many adults may have asymptomatic valvular abnormalities or congenital heart lesions that if unrecognized could lead to the development of clinical HF. Although these asymptomatic patients are in stage B as well, the management of valvular and congenital heart disease is beyond the scope of this guideline.

7.2.1. Management Strategies for Stage B

In general, all recommendations for patients with stage A HF also apply to those with stage B HF, particularly with respect to control of blood pressure in the patient with LV hypertrophy27,94,311,312 and the optimization of lipids with statins.349,356 CAD is a major risk factor for the development of HF and a key target for prevention of HF. The 5-year risk of developing HF after acute MI is 7% and 12% for men and women, respectively; for men and women between the ages of 40 and 69 and those >70 years of age, the risk is 22% and 25%, respectively.51 Current evidence supports the use of ACE inhibitors and (to a lower level of evidence) beta-blocker therapy to impede maladaptive LV remodeling in patients with stage B HF and low LVEF to improve mortality and morbidity.344 At 3-year follow-up, those patients treated with ACE inhibitors demonstrated combined endpoints of reduced hospitalization or death, a benefit that extended up to a 12-year follow-up.65 ARBs are reasonable alternatives to ACE inhibitors. In 1 study, losartan reduced adverse outcomes in a population with hypertension,357 and in another study of patients post-MI with low LVEF, valsartan was equivalent to captopril.345 Data with beta blockers are less convincing in a population with known CAD, although in 1 trial346 carvedilol therapy in patients with stage B and low LVEF was associated with a 31% relative risk reduction in adverse long-term outcomes. In patients with previously established structural heart disease, the administration of agents known to have negative inotropic properties such as nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers and certain antiarrhythmics should be avoided.

Elevations in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are major risk factors for developing LV hypertrophy, another form of stage B.91,92 Although the magnitude of benefit varies with the trial selection criteria, target blood pressure reduction, and HF criteria, effective hypertension treatment invariably reduces HF events. Consequently, long-term treatment of both systolic and diastolic hypertension reduces the risk of moving from stage A or B to stage C HF.93,94,311,329 Several large controlled studies have uniformly demonstrated that optimal blood pressure control decreases the risk of new HF by approximately 50%.96 It is imperative that strategies to control hypertension be part of any effort to prevent HF.

Clinicians should lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in accordance with published guidelines.27 Target levels of blood pressure lowering depend on major cardiovascular risk factors, (eg, CAD, diabetes mellitus, or renal disease).358 Thus, when an antihypertensive regimen is devised, optimal control of blood pressure should remain the primary goal, with the choice of drugs determined by the concomitant medical problems.

Diuretic-based antihypertensive therapy has been shown to prevent HF in a wide range of target populations.359,360 In refractory hypertensive patients, spironolactone (25 mg) should be considered as an additional agent.27 Eplerenone, in synergy with enalapril, has also demonstrated reduction in LV mass.361

ACE inhibitors and beta blockers are also effective in the prevention of HF.27 Nevertheless, neither ACE inhibitors nor beta blockers as single therapies are superior to other antihypertensive drug classes, including calcium channel blockers, in the reduction of all cardiovascular outcomes. However, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, ACE inhibitors and ARBs significantly reduced the incidence of HF in patients.327–329 In contrast, calcium channel blockers and alpha blockers were less effective in preventing the HF syndrome, particularly in HFrEF.359

The Framingham studies have shown a 60% increased risk of death in patients with asymptomatic low LVEF compared with those with normal LVEF; almost half of these patients remained free of HF before their death.62–65 MADIT-II (Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial II)362 demonstrated a 31% relative risk reduction in all-cause mortality in patients with post-MI with LVEF ≤30% receiving a prophylactic ICD compared with standard of care.355 These findings provided justification for broad adoption of ICDs for primary prevention of SCD in the post-MI setting with reduced LVEF, even in the absence of HF symptoms, that is, patients in stage B HF.

Several other ACCF/AHA guidelines addressing the appropriate management of patients with stage B—those with cardiac structural abnormalities but no symptoms of HF—are listed in Table 13.

Table 13. Other ACCF/AHA Guidelines Addressing Patients With Stage B HF

Consideration Reference
Patients with an acute MI who have not developed HF symptoms treated according to GDMT 2013 UA/NSTEMI Guideline162013 STEMI Guideline15
Coronary revascularization for patients without symptoms of HF in accordance with GDMT 2011 PCI Guideline122011 CABG Guideline102012 SIHD Guideline14
Valve replacement or repair for patients with hemodynamically significant valvular stenosis or regurgitation and no symptoms of HF in accordance with GDMT 2008 Focused Update incorporated into the 2006 VHD Guideline17

See Online Data Supplement 12 for additional data on stage B HF.

7.3. Stage C

See Online Data Supplement 13 for additional data on stage C HF.

7.3.1. Nonpharmacological Interventions
7.3.1.1. Education: Recommendation
Class I
  1. Patients with HF should receive specific education to facilitate HF self-care.363–368 (Level of Evidence: B)

The self-care regimen for patients with HF is complex and multifaceted.363 Patients need to understand how to monitor their symptoms and weight fluctuations, restrict their sodium intake, take their medications as prescribed, and stay physically active. Education regarding these recommendations is necessary, albeit not always sufficient, to significantly improve outcomes. After discharge, many patients with HF need disease management programs, which are reviewed in Section 11.

A systematic review of 35 educational intervention studies for patients with HF demonstrated that education improved knowledge, self-monitoring, medication adherence, time to hospitalization, and days in the hospital.363 Patients who receive in-hospital education have higher knowledge scores at discharge and 1 year later when compared with those who did not receive in-hospital education.364 Data have called into question the survival benefit of discharge education.369,370 However, prior data have suggested that discharge education may result in fewer days of hospitalization, lower costs, and lower mortality rates within a 6-month follow-up.365 Patients educated in all 6 categories of the HF core measures from The Joint Commission were significantly less likely to be readmitted for any cause, including HF.366 Even a single home-based educational intervention for patients and families has been shown to decrease emergency visits and unplanned hospitalizations in adults with HF.367

See Online Data Supplement 14 for additional data on patient nonadherence.

7.3.1.2. Social Support

Social support is thought to buffer stress and promote treatment adherence and a healthy lifestyle.371 Most studies examining the relationship between social support and hospitalization in adults with HF have found that a lack of social support is associated with higher hospitalization rates 372,373 and mortality risk.374,375

7.3.1.3. Sodium Restriction: Recommendation
Class IIa
  1. Sodium restriction is reasonable for patients with symptomatic HF to reduce congestive symptoms. (Level of Evidence: C)

Dietary sodium restriction is commonly recommended to patients with HF and is endorsed by many guidelines.18,376,377 The data on which this recommendation is drawn upon, however, are modest, and variances in protocols, fluid intake, measurement of sodium intake and compliance, and other clinical and therapeutic characteristics among these studies make it challenging to compare data and draw definitive conclusions. Observational data suggest an association between dietary sodium intake with fluid retention and risk for hospitalization.378,379 Other studies, however, have signaled a worsening neurohormonal profile with sodium restriction in HF.380–390 Sodium homeostasis is altered in patients with HF as opposed to healthy individuals, which may partially explain these trends. In most of these studies, patients were not receiving GDMT; no study to date has evaluated the effects of sodium restriction on neurohormonal activation and outcomes in optimally treated patients with HF. With the exception of 1 observational study that evaluated patients with HFpEF,383 all other studies have focused on patients with HFrEF. These data are mostly from white patients; when the differences in cardiovascular and renal pathophysiology among races are considered, the effects of sodium restriction in nonwhite patients with HF cannot be ascertained from these studies. To make this more complicated, the 3 RCTs that assessed outcomes with sodium restriction have all shown that lower sodium intake is associated with worse outcomes in patients with HFrEF.384–386

These limitations make it difficult to give precise recommendations about daily sodium intake and whether it should vary with respect to the type of HF (eg, HFrEF versus HFpEF), disease severity (eg, NYHA class), HF-related comorbidities (eg, renal dysfunction), or other characteristics (eg, age or race). Because of the association between sodium intake and hypertension, LV hypertrophy, and cardiovascular disease, the AHA recommendation for restriction of sodium to 1500 mg/d appears to be appropriate for most patients with stage A and B HF.387–392 However, for patients with stage C and D HF, currently there are insufficient data to endorse any specific level of sodium intake. Because sodium intake is typically high (>4 g/d) in the general population, clinicians should consider some degree (eg, <3 g/d) of sodium restriction in patients with stage C and D HF for symptom improvement.

7.3.1.4. Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Recommendation
Class IIa
  1. Continuous positive airway pressure can be beneficial to increase LVEF and improve functional status in patients with HF and sleep apnea.393–396 (Level of Evidence: B)

Sleep disorders are common in patients with HF. A study of adults with chronic HF treated with evidence-based therapies found that 61% had either central or obstructive sleep apnea.397 Despite having less sleep time and sleep efficiency compared with those without HF, patients with HF, including those with documented sleep disorders, rarely report excessive daytime sleepiness.398 Thus, a high degree of suspicion for sleep disorders should be maintained for these patients. The decision to refer a patient to a sleep study should be based on clinical judgment.

The primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure. In a major trial, continuous positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea was effective in decreasing the apnea–hypopnea index, improving nocturnal oxygenation, increasing LVEF, lowering norepinephrine levels, and increasing the distance walked in 6 minutes; these benefits were sustained for up to 2 years.394 Smaller studies suggest that continuous positive airway pressure can improve cardiac function, sympathetic activity, and HRQOL in patients with HF and obstructive sleep apnea.395,396

See Online Data Supplement 15 for additional data on the treatment of sleep disorders.

7.3.1.5. Weight Loss

Obesity is defined as a BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Patients with HF who have a BMI between 30 and 35 kg/m2 have lower mortality and hospitalization rates than those with a BMI in the normal range.99 Weight loss may reflect cachexia caused by the higher total energy expenditure associated with HF compared with that of healthy sedentary subjects.399 The diagnosis of cardiac cachexia independently predicts a worse prognosis.191 At the other end of the continuum, morbidly obese patients may have worse outcomes compared with patients within the normal weight range and those who are obese. A U-shaped distribution curve has been suggested in which mortality is greatest in cachectic patients; lower in normal, overweight, and mildly obese patients; and higher again in more severely obese patients.400

Although there are anecdotal reports about symptomatic improvement after weight reduction in obese patients with HF,401,402 large-scale clinical trials on the role of weight loss in patients with HF with obesity have not been performed. Because of reports of development of cardiomyopathy, sibutramine is contraindicated in HF.403

7.3.1.6. Activity, Exercise Prescription, and Cardiac Rehabilitation: Recommendations
Class I
  1. Exercise training (or regular physical activity) is recommended as safe and effective for patients with HF who are able to participate to improve functional status.404–407 (Level of Evidence: A)

Class IIa
  1. Cardiac rehabilitation can be useful in clinically stable patients with HF to improve functional capacity, exercise duration, HRQOL, and mortality.404,406–411 (Level of Evidence: B)

Exercise training in patients with HF is safe and has numerous benefits. Meta-analyses show that cardiac rehabilitation reduces mortality; improves functional capacity, exercise duration, and HRQOL; and reduces hospitalizations.409 Other benefits include improved endothelial function, blunted catecholamine spillover, increased peripheral oxygen extraction, and reduced hospital admission.405,407,410,411

Many RCTs of exercise training in HF have been conducted, but the statistical power of most was low.408 A major trial of exercise and HF randomly assigned 2331 patients (mean EF, 25%; ischemic etiology, 52%) to either exercise training for 3 months or usual care.406 In unadjusted analyses, there was no significant difference at the end of the study in either total mortality or hospitalizations. When adjusted for coronary heart disease risk factors, there was an 11% reduction in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease mortality, or hospitalizations (P<0.03) in the exercise training group.406 A meta-analysis demonstrated improved peak oxygen consumption and decreased all-cause mortality with exercise.409

See Online Data Supplement 16 for additional data on cardiac exercise.

7.3.2. Pharmacological Treatment for Stage C HFrEF: Recommendations
Class I
  1. Measures listed as Class I recommendations for patients in stages A and B are recommended where appropriate for patients in stage C. (Levels of Evidence: A, B, and C as appropriate)

  2. GDMT as depicted in Figure 1 should be the mainstay of pharmacological therapy for HFrEF.108,343,345,346,412–426 (Level of Evidence: A)

Figure 1.
  • Download figure
  • Download PowerPoint

Figure 1. Stage C HFrEF: evidence-based, guideline-directed medical therapy. ACEI indicates angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; ARB, angiotensin-receptor blocker; HFrEF, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; Hydral-Nitrates, hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate; LOE, Level of Evidence; and NYHA, New York Heart Association.

7.3.2.1. Diuretics: Recommendation
Class I
  1. Diuretics are recommended in patients with HFrEF who have evidence of fluid retention, unless contraindicated, to improve symptoms. (Level of Evidence: C)

Diuretics inhibit the reabsorption of sodium or chloride at specific sites in the renal tubules. Bumetanide, furosemide, and torsemide act at the loop of Henle (thus, the term loop diuretics), whereas thiazides, metolazone, and potassium-sparing agents (eg, spironolactone) act in the distal portion of the tubule.427,428 Loop diuretics have emerged as the preferred diuretic agents for use in most patients with HF. Thiazide diuretics may be considered in hypertensive patients with HF and mild fluid retention because they confer more persistent antihypertensive effects.

Controlled trials have demonstrated the ability of diuretic drugs to increase urinary sodium excretion and decrease physical signs of fluid retention in patients with HF.429,430 In intermediate-term studies, diuretics have been shown to improve symptoms and exercise tolerance in patients with HF431–433; however, diuretic effects on morbidity and mortality are not known. Diuretics are the only drugs used for the treatment of HF that can adequately control the fluid retention of HF. Appropriate use of diuretics is a key element in the success of other drugs used for the treatment of HF. The use of inappropriately low doses of diuretics will result in fluid retention. Conversely, the use of inappropriately high doses of diuretics will lead to volume contraction, which can increase the risk of hypotension and renal insufficiency.

7.3.2.1.1. Diuretics: Selection of Patients.

Diuretics should be prescribed to all patients who have evidence of, and to most patients with a prior history of, fluid retention. Diuretics should generally be combined with an ACE inhibitor, beta blocker, and aldosterone antagonist. Few patients with HF will be able to maintain target weight without the use of diuretics.

7.3.2.1.2. Diuretics: Initiation and Maintenance.

The most commonly used loop diuretic for the treatment of HF is furosemide, but some patients respond more favorably to other agents in this category (eg, bumetanide, torsemide) because of their increased oral bioavailability.434,435Table 14 lists oral diuretics recommended for use in the treatment of chronic HF. In outpatients with HF, diuretic therapy is commonly initiated with low doses, and the dose is increased until urine output increases and weight decreases, generally by 0.5 to 1.0 kg daily. Further increases in the dose or frequency (ie, twice-daily dosing) of diuretic administration may be required to maintain an active diuresis and sustain weight loss. The ultimate goal of diuretic treatment is to eliminate clinical evidence of fluid retention. Diuretics are generally combined with moderate dietary sodium restriction. Once fluid retention has resolved, treatment with the diuretic should be maintained in some patients to prevent the recurrence of volume overload. Patients are commonly prescribed a fixed dose of diuretic, but the dose of these drugs frequently may need adjustment. In many cases, this adjustment can be accomplished by having patients record their weight each day and adjusting the diuretic dosage if weight increases or decreases beyond a specified range. Patients may become unresponsive to high doses of diuretic drugs if they consume large amounts of dietary sodium, are taking agents that can block the effects of diuretics (eg, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], including cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors)436–438 or have a significant impairment of renal function or perfusion.434 Diuretic resistance can generally be overcome by the intravenous administration of diuretics (including the use of continuous infusions)439 or combination of different diuretic classes (eg, metolazone with a loop diuretic).440–443

Table 14. Oral Diuretics Recommended for Use in the Treatment of Chronic HF

Drug Initial Daily Dose(s) Maximum Total Daily Dose Duration of Action
Loop diuretics
 Bumetanide 0.5 to 1.0 mg once or twice 10 mg 4 to 6 h
 Furosemide 20 to 40 mg once or twice 600 mg 6 to 8 h
 Torsemide 10 to 20 mg once 200 mg 12 to 16 h
Thiazide diuretics
 Chlorothiazide 250 to 500 mg once or twice 1000 mg 6 to 12 h
 Chlorthalidone 12.5 to 25.0 mg once 100 mg 24 to 72 h
 Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg once or twice 200 mg 6 to 12 h
 Indapamide 2.5 mg once 5 mg 36 h
 Metolazone 2.5 mg once 20 mg 12 to 24 h
Potassium-sparing diuretics*
 Amiloride 5 mg once 20 mg 24 h
 Spironolactone 12.5 to 25.0 mg once 50 mg 1 to 3 h
 Triamterene 50 to 75 mg twice 200 mg 7 to 9 h
Sequential nephron blockade
 Metolazone 2.5 to 10.0 mg once plus loop diuretic N/A N/A
 Hydrochlorothiazide 25 to 100 mg once or twice plus loop diuretic N/A N/A
 Chlorothiazide (IV) 500 to 1000 mg once plus loop diuretic N/A N/A
7.3.2.1.3. Diuretics: Risks of Treatment.

The principal adverse effects of diuretics include electrolyte and fluid depletion, as well as hypotension and azotemia. Diuretics can cause the depletion of potassium and magnesium, which can predispose patients to serious cardiac arrhythmias.444 The risk of electrolyte depletion is markedly enhanced when 2 diuretics are used in combination.

See Online Data Supplement 17 for additional data on diuretics.

7.3.2.2. ACE Inhibitors: Recommendation

Class I

  1. ACE inhibitors are recommended in patients with HFrEF and current or prior symptoms, unless contraindicated, to reduce morbidity and mortality.343,412–414 (Level of Evidence: A)

7.3.2.2.1. ACE Inhibitors: Selection of Patients.

ACE inhibitors can reduce the risk of death and reduce hospitalization in HFrEF. The benefits of ACE inhibition were seen in patients with mild, moderate, or severe symptoms of HF and in patients with or without CAD. ACE inhibitors should be prescribed to all patients with HFrEF. Unless there is a contraindication, ACE inhibitors are used together with a beta blocker. Patients should not be given an ACE inhibitor if they have experienced life-threatening adverse reactions (ie, angioedema) during previous medication exposure or if they are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Clinicians should prescribe an ACE inhibitor with caution if the patient has very low systemic blood pressures (systolic blood pressure <80 mm Hg), markedly increased serum levels of creatinine (>3 mg/dL), bilateral renal artery stenosis, or elevated levels of serum potassium (>5.0 mEq/L).

7.3.2.2.2. ACE Inhibitors: Initiation and Maintenance.

The available data suggest that there are no differences among available ACE inhibitors in their effects on symptoms or survival.414 Treatment with an ACE inhibitor should be initiated at low doses (Table 15), followed by gradual dose increments if lower doses have been well tolerated. Renal function and serum potassium should be assessed within 1 to 2 weeks of initiation of therapy and periodically thereafter, especially in patients with preexisting hypotension, hyponatremia, diabetes mellitus, azotemia, or in those taking potassium supplements. In controlled clinical trials that were designed to evaluate survival, the dose of the ACE inhibitor was not determined by a patient's therapeutic response but was increased until the predetermined target dose was reached.343,413,414 Clinicians should attempt to use doses that have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in clinical trials. If these target doses of an ACE inhibitor cannot be used or are poorly tolerated, intermediate doses should be used with the expectation that there are likely to be only small differences in efficacy between low and high doses. Abrupt withdrawal of treatment with an ACE inhibitor can lead to clinical deterioration and should be avoided.

Table 15. Drugs Commonly Used for Stage C HFrEF

Drug Initial Daily Dose(s) Maximum Dose(s) Mean Doses Achieved in Clinical Trials
ACE inhibitors
 Captopril 6.25 mg 3 times 50 mg 3 times 122.7 mg/d422
 Enalapril 2.5 mg twice 10 to 20 mg twice 16.6 mg/d413
 Fosinopril 5 to 10 mg once 40 mg once N/A
 Lisinopril 2.5 to 5 mg once 20 to 40 mg once 32.5 to 35.0 mg/d445
 Perindopril 2 mg once 8 to 16 mg once N/A
 Quinapril 5 mg twice 20 mg twice N/A
 Ramipril 1.25 to 2.5 mg once 10 mg once N/A
 Trandolapril 1 mg once 4 mg once N/A
ARBs
 Candesartan 4 to 8 mg once 32 mg once 24 mg/d420
 Losartan 25 to 50 mg once 50 to 150 mg once 129 mg/d421
 Valsartan 20 to 40 mg twice 160 mg twice 254 mg/d108
Aldosterone antagonists
 Spironolactone 12.5 to 25.0 mg once 25 mg once or twice 26 mg/d425
 Eplerenone 25 mg once 50 mg once 42.6 mg/d446
Beta blockers
 Bisoprolol 1.25 mg once 10 mg once 8.6 mg/d117
 Carvedilol 3.125 mg twice 50 mg twice 37 mg/d447
 Carvedilol CR 10 mg once 80 mg once N/A
 Metoprolol succinate extended release (metoprolol CR/XL) 12.5 to 25 mg once 200 mg once 159 mg/d448
Hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate
 Fixed-dose combination424 37.5 mg hydralazine/20 mg isosorbide dinitrate 3 times daily 75 mg hydralazine/40 mg isosorbide dinitrate 3 times daily ~175 mg hydralazine/90 mg isosorbide dinitrate daily
 Hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate449 Hydralazine: 25 to 50 mg, 3 or 4 times daily and isosorbide dinitrate: 20 to 30 mg 3 or 4 times daily Hydralazine: 300 mg daily in divided doses and isosorbide dinitrate: 120 mg daily in divided doses N/A
7.3.2.2.3. ACE Inhibitors: Risks of Treatment.

The majority of the adverse reactions of ACE inhibitors can be attributed to the 2 principal pharmacological actions of these drugs: those related to angiotensin suppression and those related to kinin potentiation. Other types of adverse effects may also occur (eg, rash and taste disturbances). Up to 20% of patients will experience an ACE inhibitor–induced cough. With the use of ACE inhibitors, particular care should be given to the patient's volume status, renal function, and concomitant medications (Sections 7.3.2.1 and 7.3.2.9). However, most HF patients (85% to 90%) can tolerate these drugs.

See Online Data Supplement 18 for additional data on ACE inhibitors.

7.3.2.3. ARBs: Recommendations

Class I

  1. ARBs are recommended in patients with HFrEF with current or prior symptoms who are ACE inhibitor intolerant, unless contraindicated, to reduce morbidity and mortality.108,345,415,450 (Level of Evidence: A)

Class IIa

  1. ARBs are reasonable to reduce morbidity and mortality as alternatives to ACE inhibitors as first-line therapy for patients with HFrEF, especially for patients already taking ARBs for other indications, unless contraindicated.451–456 (Level of Evidence: A)

Class IIb

  1. Addition of an ARB may be considered in persistently symptomatic patients with HFrEF who are already being treated with an ACE inhibitor and a beta blocker in whom an aldosterone antagonist is not indicated or tolerated.420,457 (Level of Evidence: A)

Class III: Harm

  1. Routine combined use of an ACE inhibitor, ARB, and aldosterone antagonist is potentially harmful for patients with HFrEF. (Level of Evidence: C)

ARBs were developed with the rationale that a) angiotensin II production continues in the presence of ACE inhibition, driven through alternative enzyme pathways and b) interference with the renin-angiotensin system without inhibition of kininase would produce all of the benefits of ACE inhibitors while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions to them. However, it is now known that some of the benefits of ACE inhibitors may be related to the accumulation of kinins rather than to the suppression of angiotensin II formation, whereas some of the adverse effects of ACE inhibitors in HF are related to the suppression of angiotensin II formation.

In several placebo-controlled studies, long-term therapy with ARBs produced hemodynamic, neurohormonal, and clinical effects consistent with those expected after interference with the renin-angiotensin system. Reduced hospitalization and mortality have been demonstrated. ACE inhibitors remain the first choice for inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system in systolic HF, but ARBs can now be considered a reasonable alternative.

7.3.2.3.1. ARBs: Selection of Patients.

ARBs are used in patients with HFrEF who are ACE inhibitor intolerant; an ACE-inhibition intolerance primarily related to cough is the most common indication. In addition, an ARB may be used as an alternative to an ACE inhibitor in patients who are already taking an ARB for another reason, such as hypertension, and who subsequently develop HF. Angioedema occurs in <1% of patients who take an ACE inhibitor, but it occurs more frequently in blacks. Because its occurrence may be life-threatening, clinical suspicion of this reaction justifies the subsequent avoidance of all ACE inhibitors for the lifetime of the patient. ACE inhibitors should not be initiated in any patient with a history of angioedema. Although ARBs may be considered as alternative therapy for patients who have developed angioedema while taking an ACE inhibitor, there are some patients who have also developed angioedema with ARBs, and caution is advised when substituting an ARB in a patient who has had angioedema associated with use of an ACE inhibitor.458–461

7.3.2.3.2. ARBs: Initiation and Maintenance.

When used, ARBs should be initiated with the starting doses shown in Table 15. Many of the considerations with initiation of an ARB are similar to those with initiation of an ACE inhibitor, as discussed previously. Blood pressure (including postural blood pressure changes), renal function, and potassium should be reassessed within 1 to 2 weeks after initiation and followed closely after changes in dose. Patients with systolic blood pressure <80 mm Hg, low serum sodium, diabetes mellitus, and impaired renal function merit close surveillance during therapy with inhibitors of the renin angiotensin-aldosterone system. Titration is generally achieved by doubling doses. For stable patients, it is reasonable to add therapy with beta-blocking agents before full target doses of either ACE inhibitors or ARBs are reached.

7.3.2.3.3. ARBs: Risks of Treatment.

The risks of ARBs are attributed to suppression of angiotensin stimulation. These risks of hypotension, renal dysfunction, and hyperkalemia are greater when combined with another inhibitor of this neurohormonal axis, such as ACE inhibitors or aldosterone antagonists.

See Online Data Supplement 19 for additional data on ARBs.

7.3.2.4. Beta Blockers: Recommendation

Class I

  1. Use of 1 of the 3 beta blockers proven to reduce mortality (eg, bisoprolol, carvedilol, and sustained-release metoprolol succinate) is recommended for all patients with current or prior symptoms of HFrEF, unless contraindicated, to reduce morbidity and mortality.346,416–419,448 (Level of Evidence: A)

Long-term treatment with beta blockers can lessen the symptoms of HF, improve the patient's clinical status, and enhance the patient's overall sense of well-being.462–469 In addition, like ACE inhibitors, beta blockers can reduce the risk of death and the combined risk of death or hospitalization.117,447,448,470,471 These benefits of beta blockers were seen in patients with or without CAD and in patients with or without diabetes mellitus, as well as in women and blacks. The favorable effects of beta blockers were also observed in patients already taking ACE inhibitors.

Three beta blockers have been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of death in patients with chronic HFrEF: bisoprolol and sustained-release metoprolol (succinate), which selectively block beta-1–receptors; and carvedilol, which blocks alpha-1–, beta-1–, and beta-2–receptors. Positive findings with these 3 agents, however, should not be considered a beta-blocker class effect. Bucindolol lacked uniform effectiveness across different populations, and short-acting metoprolol tartrate was less effective in HF clinical trials. Beta-1 selective blocker nebivolol demonstrated a modest reduction in the primary endpoint of all-cause mortality or cardiovascular hospitalization but did not affect mortality alone in an elderly population that included patients with HFpEF.472

7.3.2.4.1. Beta Blockers: Selection of Patients.

Beta blockers should be prescribed to all patients with stable HFrEF unless they have a contraindication to their use or are intolerant of these drugs. Because of its favorable effects on survival and disease progression, a clinical trial–proven beta blocker should be initiated as soon as HFrEF is diagnosed. Even when symptoms are mild or improve with other therapies, beta-blocker therapy is important and should not be delayed until symptoms return or disease progression is documented. Therefore, even if patients have little disability and experience seemingly minimal symptomatic benefit, they should still be treated with a beta blocker to reduce the risks of disease progression, clinical deterioration, and sudden death.117,448,469–471

Patients need not take high doses of ACE inhibitors before initiation of beta-blocker therapy. In patients taking a low dose of an ACE inhibitor, the addition of a beta blocker produces a greater improvement in symptoms and reduction in the risk of death than does an increase in the dose of the ACE inhibitor, even to the target doses used in clinical trials.445,473 In patients with a current or recent history of fluid retention, beta blockers should not be prescribed without diuretics, because diuretics are needed to maintain sodium and fluid balance and prevent the exacerbation of fluid retention that can accompany the initiation of beta-blocker therapy.474,475 Beta blockers may be considered in patients who have reactive airway disease or asymptomatic bradycardia but should be used cautiously in patients with persistent symptoms of either condition.

7.3.2.4.2. Beta Blockers: Initiation and Maintenance.

Treatment with a beta blocker should be initiated at very low doses (Table 15), followed by gradual increments in dose if lower doses have been well tolerated. Patients should be monitored closely for changes in vital signs and symptoms during this uptitration period. Planned increments in the dose of a beta blocker should be delayed until any adverse effects observed with lower doses have disappeared. When such a cautious approach was used, most patients (approximately 85%) enrolled in clinical trials who received beta blockers were able to tolerate short- and long-term treatment with these drugs and achieve the maximum planned trial dose.117,447,448,470 Data show that beta blockers can be safely started before discharge even in patients hospitalized for HF, provided they do not require intravenous inotropic therapy for HF.476 Clinicians should make every effort to achieve the target doses of the beta blockers shown to be effective in major clinical trials. Even if symptoms do not improve, long-term treatment should be maintained to reduce the risk of major clinical events. Abrupt withdrawal of treatment with a beta blocker can lead to clinical deterioration and should be avoided.477

7.3.2.4.3. Beta Blockers: Risks of Treatment.

Initiation of treatment with a beta blocker may produce 4 types of adverse reactions that require attention and management: fluid retention and worsening HF; fatigue; bradycardia or heart block; and hypotension. The occurrence of fluid retention or worsening HF is not generally a reason for the permanent withdrawal of treatment. Such patients generally respond favorably to intensification of conventional therapy, and once treated, they remain excellent candidates for long-term treatment with a beta blocker. The slowing of heart rate and cardiac conduction produced by beta blockers is generally asymptomatic and thus requires no treatment; however, if the bradycardia is accompanied by dizziness or lightheadedness or if second- or third-degree heart block occurs, clinicians should decrease the dose of the beta blocker. Clinicians may minimize the risk of hypotension by administering the beta blocker and ACE inhibitor at different times during the day. Hypotensive symptoms may also resolve after a decrease in the dose of diuretics in patients who are volume depleted. If hypotension is accompanied by other clinical evidence of hypoperfusion, beta-blocker therapy should be decreased or discontinued pending further patient evaluation. The symptom of fatigue is multifactorial and is perhaps the hardest symptom to address with confidence. Although fatigue may be related to beta blockers, other causes of fatigue should be considered, including sleep apnea, overdiuresis, or depression.

See Online Data Supplement 20 for additional data on beta blockers.

7.3.2.5. Aldosterone Receptor Antagonists: Recommendations

Class I
  1. Aldosterone receptor antagonists (or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) are recommended in patients with NYHA class II–IV HF and who have LVEF of 35% or less, unless contraindicated, to reduce morbidity and mortality. Patients with NYHA class II HF should have a history of prior cardiovascular hospitalization or elevated plasma natriuretic peptide levels to be considered for aldosterone receptor antagonists. Creatinine should be 2.5 mg/dL or less in men or 2.0 mg/dL or less in women (or estimated glomerular filtration rate >30 mL/min/1.73 m2), and potassium should be less than 5.0 mEq/L. Careful monitoring of potassium, renal function, and diuretic dosing should be performed at initiation and closely followed thereafter to minimize risk of hyperkalemia and renal insufficiency.425,426,478 (Level of Evidence: A)

  2. Aldosterone receptor antagonists are recommended to reduce morbidity and mortality following an acute MI in patients who have LVEF of 40% or less who develop symptoms of HF or who have a history of diabetes mellitus, unless contraindicated.446 (Level of Evidence: B)

Class III: Harm
  1. Inappropriate use of aldosterone receptor antagonists is potentially harmful because of life-threatening hyperkalemia or renal insufficiency when serum creatinine is greater than 2.5 mg/dL in men or greater than 2.0 mg/dL in women (or estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2), and/or potassium greater than 5.0 mEq/L.479,480 (Level of Evidence: B)

The landmark RALES trial (Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study)425 showed a 30% reduction in all-cause mortality as well as a reduced risk of SCD and HF hospitalizations with the use of spironolactone in patients with chronic HFrEF and LVEF <35%. Eplerenone has been shown to reduce all-cause deaths, cardiovascular deaths, or HF hospitalizations in a wider range of patients with HFrEF.426,446

7.3.2.5.1. Aldosterone Receptor Antagonists: Selection of Patients.

Clinicians should strongly consider the addition of the aldosterone receptor antagonists spironolactone or eplerenone for all patients with HFrEF who are already on ACE inhibitors (or ARBs) and beta blockers. Although the entry criteria for the trials of aldosterone receptor antagonists excluded patients with a creatinine >2.5 mg/dL, the majority of patients had much lower creatinine (95% of patients had creatinine ≤1.7 mg/dL).425,426,446 In contrast, one third of patients in EMPHASIS-HF (Eplerenone in Mild Patients Hospitalization and Survival Study in Heart Failure) had an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2.426 Note also that the entry criteria for the EMPHASIS-HF trial were age of at least ≥55 years, NYHA class II symptoms, and an EF of no more than 30% (or, if >30% to 35%, a QRS duration of >130 ms on ECG). To minimize the risk of life-threatening hyperkalemia in euvolemic patients with HFrEF, patients should have initial serum creatinine <2.5 mg/dL (or an estimated glomerular filtration rate >30 mL/min/1.73 m2) without recent worsening and serum potassium <5.0 mEq/L without a history of severe hyperkalemia. Careful patient selection and risk assessment with availability of close monitoring is essential in initiating the use of aldosterone receptor antagonists.

7.3.2.5.2. Aldosterone Receptor Antagonists: Initiation and Maintenance.

Spironolactone should be initiated at a dose of 12.5 to 25 mg daily, while eplerenone should be initiated at a dose of 25 mg/d, increasing to 50 mg daily. For those with concerns of hyperkalemia or marginal renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate 30 to 49 mL/min/1.73 m2), an initial regimen of every-other-day dosing is advised (Table 16). After initiation of aldosterone receptor antagonists, potassium supplementation should be discontinued (or reduced and carefully monitored in those with a history of hypokalemia; Table 17), and patients should be counseled to avoid foods high in potassium and NSAIDs. Potassium levels and renal function should be rechecked within 2 to 3 days and again at 7 days after initiation of an aldosterone receptor antagonist. Subsequent monitoring should be dictated by the general clinical stability of renal function and fluid status but should occur at least monthly for the first 3 months and every 3 months thereafter. The addition or an increase in dosage of ACE inhibitors or ARBs should trigger a new cycle of monitoring.

Table 16. Drug Dosing for Aldosterone Receptor Antagonists

Eplerenone Spironolactone
eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) ≥50 30 to −49 ≥50 30 to 49
Initial dose (only if K+ ≤5 mEq/L) 25 mg once daily 25 mg once every other day 12.5 to 25.0 mg once daily 12.5 mg once daily or every other day
Maintenance dose (after 4 wk for K+ ≤5 mEq/L)* 50 mg once daily 25 mg once daily 25 mg once or twice daily 12.5 to 25.0 mg once daily

Table 17. Strategies to Minimize the Risk of Hyperkalemia in Patients Treated With Aldosterone Antagonists

1. Impaired renal function is a risk factor for hyperkalemia during treatment with aldosterone antagonists. The risk of hyperkalemia increases progressively when serum creatinine is >1.6 mg/dL.* In elderly patients or others with low muscle mass in whom serum creatinine does not accurately reflect glomerular filtration rate, determination that glomerular filtration rate or creatinine clearance is >30 mL/min/1.73 m2 is recommended.
2. Aldosterone antagonists would not ordinarily be initiated in patients with baseline serum potassium >5.0 mEq/L.
3. An initial dose of spironolactone of 12.5 mg or eplerenone 25 mg is typical, after which the dose may be increased to spironolactone 25 mg or eplerenone 50 mg if appropriate.
4. The risk of hyperkalemia is increased with concomitant use of higher doses of ACE inhibitors (captopril ≥75 mg daily; enalapril or lisinopril ≥10 mg daily).
5. In most circumstances, potassium supplements are discontinued or reduced when initiating aldosterone antagonists.
6. Close monitoring of serum potassium is required; potassium levels and renal function are most typically checked in 3 d and at 1 wk after initiating therapy and at least monthly for the first 3 mo.

There are limited data to support or refute that spironolactone and eplerenone are interchangeable. The perceived difference between eplerenone and spironolactone is the selectivity of aldosterone receptor antagonism and not the effectiveness of blocking mineralocorticoid activity. In RALES, there was increased incidence (10%) of gynecomastia or breast pain with use of spironolactone (a nonselective antagonist). The incidence of these adverse events was <1% in EPHESUS (Eplerenone Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure Efficacy and Survival Study) and EMPHASIS-HF without any difference in adverse events between the eplerenone and placebo.426,446

7.3.2.5.3. Aldosterone Receptor Antagonists: Risks of Treatment.

The major risk associated with use of aldosterone receptor antagonists is hyperkalemia due to inhibition of potassium excretion, ranging from 2% to 5% in large clinical trials425,426,446 to 24% to 36% in population-based registries.479,480 Routine triple combination of an ACE inhibitor, ARB, and aldosterone receptor antagonist should be avoided.

The development of potassium levels >5.5 mEq/L (approximately 12% in EMPHASIS-HF426) should generally trigger discontinuation or dose reduction of the aldosterone receptor antagonist unless other causes are identified. The development of worsening renal function should lead to careful evaluation of the entire medical regimen and consideration for stopping the aldosterone receptor antagonist. Patients should be instructed specifically to stop the aldosterone receptor antagonist during an episode of diarrhea or dehydration or while loop diuretic therapy is interrupted.

7.3.2.6. Hydralazine and Isosorbide Dinitrate: Recommendations

Class I

  1. The combination of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate is recommended to reduce morbidity and mortality for patients self-described as African Americans with NYHA class III–IV HFrEF receiving optimal therapy with ACE inhibitors and beta blockers, unless contraindicated.423,424 (Level of Evidence: A)

Class IIa

  1. A combination of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate can be useful to reduce morbidity or mortality in patients with current or prior symptomatic HFrEF who cannot be given an ACE inhibitor or ARB because of drug intolerance, hypotension, or renal insufficiency, unless contraindicated.449 (Level of Evidence: B)

In a large-scale trial that compared the vasodilator combination with placebo, the use of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate reduced mortality but not hospitalizations in patients with HF treated with digoxin and diuretics but not an ACE inhibitor or beta blocker.449 However, in 2 other trials that compared the vasodilator combination with an ACE inhibitor, the ACE inhibitor produced more favorable effects on survival.412,482 A post hoc retrospective analysis of these vasodilator trials demonstrated particular efficacy of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine in the African American cohort.423 In a subsequent trial, which was limited to patients self-described as African American, the addition of a fixed-dose combination of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate to standard therapy with an ACE inhibitor or ARB, a beta blocker, and an aldosterone antagonist offered significant benefit.424

7.3.2.6.1. Hydralazine and Isosorbide Dinitrate: Selection of Patients.

The combination of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate is recommended for African Americans with HFrEF who remain symptomatic despite concomitant use of ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and aldosterone antagonists. Whether this benefit is evident in non–African Americans with HFrEF remains to be investigated. The combination of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate should not be used for the treatment of HFrEF in patients who have no prior use of standard neurohumoral antagonist therapy and should not be substituted for ACE inhibitor or ARB therapy in patients who are tolerating therapy without difficulty. Despite the lack of data with the vasodilator combination in patients who are intolerant of ACE inhibitors or ARBs, the combined use of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate may be considered as a therapeutic option in such patients.

7.3.2.6.2. Hydralazine and Isosorbide Dinitrate: Initiation and Maintenance.

If the fixed-dose combination is available, the initial dose should be 1 tablet containing 37.5 mg of hydralazine hydrochloride and 20 mg of isosorbide dinitrate 3 times daily. The dose can be increased to 2 tablets 3 times daily for a total daily dose of 225 mg of hydralazine hydrochloride and 120 mg of isosorbide dinitrate. When the 2 drugs are used separately, both pills should be administered at least 3 times daily. Initial low doses of the drugs given separately may be progressively increased to a goal similar to that achieved in the fixed-dose combination trial.424

7.3.2.6.3. Hydralazine and Isosorbide Dinitrate: Risks of Treatment.

Adherence to this combination has generally been poor because of the large number of tablets required, frequency of administration, and the high incidence of adverse reactions.412,449 Frequent adverse effects include headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal complaints. Nevertheless, the benefit of these drugs can be substantial and warrant a slower titration of the drugs to enhance tolerance of the therapy.

See Table 18 for a summary of the treatment benefit of GDMT in HFrEF.

Table 18. Medical Therapy for Stage C HFrEF: Magnitude of Benefit Demonstrated in RCTs

GDMT RR Reduction in Mortality (%) NNT for Mortality Reduction(Standardized to 36 mo) RR Reductionin HF Hospitalizations (%)
ACE inhibitor or ARB 17 26 31
Beta blocker 34 9 41
Aldosterone antagonist 30 6 35
Hydralazine/nitrate 43 7 33

7.3.2.7. Digoxin: Recommendation

Class IIa

  1. Digoxin can be beneficial in patients with HFrEF, unless contraindicated, to decrease hospitalizations for HF.484–491 (Level of Evidence: B)

Several placebo-controlled trials have shown that treatment with digoxin for 1 to 3 months can improve symptoms, HRQOL, and exercise tolerance in patients with mild to moderate HF.485–491 These benefits have been seen regardless of the underlying rhythm (normal sinus rhythm or AF), cause of HF (ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy), or concomitant therapy (with or without ACE inhibitors). In a long-term trial that primarily enrolled patients with NYHA class II or III HF, treatment with digoxin for 2 to 5 years had no effect on mortality but modestly reduced the combined risk of death and hospitalization.484

7.3.2.7.1. Digoxin: Selection of Patients.

Clinicians may consider adding digoxin in patients with persistent symptoms of HFrEF during GDMT. Digoxin may also be added to the initial regimen in patients with severe symptoms who have not yet responded symptomatically during GDMT.

Alternatively, treatment with digoxin may be delayed until the patient's response to GDMT has been defined and may be used only in patients who remain symptomatic despite therapy with the neurohormonal antagonists. If a patient is taking digoxin but not an ACE inhibitor or a beta blocker, treatment with digoxin should not be withdrawn, but appropriate therapy with the neurohormonal antagonists should be instituted. Digoxin is prescribed occasionally in patients with HF and AF, but beta blockers are usually more effective when added to digoxin in controlling the ventricular response, particularly during exercise.492–495

Patients should not be given digoxin if they have significant sinus or atrioventricular block unless the block has been addressed with a permanent pacemaker. The drug should be used cautiously in patients taking other drugs that can depress sinus or atrioventricular nodal function or affect digoxin levels (eg, amiodarone or a beta blocker), even though such patients usually tolerate digoxin without difficulty.

7.3.2.7.2. Digoxin: Initiation and Maintenance.

Therapy with digoxin is commonly initiated and maintained at a dose of 0.125 to 0.25 mg daily. Low doses (0.125 mg daily or every other day) should be used initially if the patient is >70 years of age, has impaired renal function, or has a low lean body mass.496 Higher doses (eg, digoxin 0.375 to 0.50 mg daily) are rarely used or needed in the management of patients with HF. There is no reason to use loading doses of digoxin to initiate therapy in patients with HF.

Doses of digoxin that achieve a plasma concentration of drug in the range of 0.5 to 0.9 ng/mL are suggested, given the limited evidence currently available. There has been no prospective, randomized evaluation of the relative efficacy or safety of different plasma concentrations of digoxin. Retrospective analysis of 2 studies of digoxin withdrawal found that prevention of worsening HF by digoxin at lower concentrations in plasma (0.5 to 0.9 ng/mL) was as great as that achieved at higher concentrations.497,498

7.3.2.7.3. Digoxin: Risks of Treatment.

When administered with attention to dose and factors that alter its metabolism, digoxin is well tolerated by most patients with HF.499 The principal adverse reactions occur primarily when digoxin is administered in large doses, especially in the elderly, but large doses are not necessary for clinical benefits.500–502 The major adverse effects include cardiac arrhythmias (eg, ectopic and re-entrant cardiac rhythms and heart block), gastrointestinal symptoms (eg, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting), and neurological complaints (eg, visual disturbances, disorientation, and confusion). Overt digoxin toxicity is commonly associated with serum digoxin levels >2 ng/mL.

However, toxicity may also occur with lower digoxin levels, especially if hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, or hypothyroidism coexists.503,504 The concomitant use of clarithromycin, dronedarone, erythromycin, amiodarone, itraconazole, cyclosporine, propafenone, verapamil, or quinidine can increase serum digoxin concentrations and may increase the likelihood of digoxin toxicity.505–507 The dose of digoxin should be reduced if treatment with these drugs is initiated. In addition, a low lean body mass and impaired renal function can also elevate serum digoxin levels, which may explain the increased risk of digoxin toxicity in elderly patients.

7.3.2.8. Other Drug Treatment

7.3.2.8.1. Anticoagulation: Recommendations

Class I
  1. Patients with chronic HF with permanent/persistent/paroxysmal AF and an additional risk factor for cardioembolic stroke (history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack, or ≥75 years of age) should receive chronic anticoagulant therapy.* 508–514 (Level of Evidence: A)

  2. The selection of an anticoagulant agent (warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban, or rivaroxaban) for permanent/persistent/paroxysmal AF should be individualized on the basis of risk factors, cost, tolerability, patient preference, potential for drug interactions, and other clinical characteristics, including time in the international normalized ratio therapeutic range if the patient has been taking warfarin. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class IIa
  1. Chronic anticoagulation is reasonable for patients with chronic HF who have permanent/persistent/paroxysmal AF but are without an additional risk factor for cardioembolic stroke.* 509–511,515–517 (Level of Evidence: B)

Class III: No Benefit
  1. Anticoagulation is not recommended in patients with chronic HFrEF without AF, a prior thromboembolic event, or a cardioembolic source.518–520 (Level of Evidence: B)

Patients with chronic HFrEF are at an increased risk of thromboembolic events due to stasis of blood in dilated hypokinetic cardiac chambers and in peripheral blood vessels521,522 and perhaps due to increased activity of procoagulant factors.523 However, in large-scale studies, the risk of thromboembolism in clinically stable patients has been low (1% to 3% per year), even in those with a very depressed EF and echocardiographic evidence of intracardiac thrombi.524–528 These rates are sufficiently low to limit the detectable benefit of anticoagulation in these patients.

In several retrospective analyses, the risk of thromboembolic events was not lower in patients with HF taking warfarin than in patients not treated with antithrombotic drugs.524,526,527 The use of warfarin was associated with a reduction in major cardiovascular events and death in patients with HF in some studies but not in others.518,529,530 An RCT that compared the outcome of patients with HFrEF assigned to aspirin, warfarin, or clopidogrel was completed,519 but no therapy appeared to be superior. Another trial compared aspirin with warfarin in patients with reduced LVEF, sinus rhythm, and no cardioembolic source and demonstrated no difference in either the primary outcome of death, stroke, or intracerebral hemorrhage.520 There was also no difference in the combined outcome of death, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, MI, or HF hospitalization. There was a significant increase in major bleeding with warfarin. Given that there is no overall benefit of warfarin and an increased risk of bleeding, there is no compelling evidence to use warfarin or aspirin in patients with HFrEF in the absence of a specific indication.

The efficacy of long-term warfarin for the prevention of stroke in patients with AF is well established. However, the ACCF/AHA guidelines for AF6 recommend use of the CHADS2 [Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years, Diabetes mellitus, previous Stroke/transient ischemic attack (doubled risk weight)] score to assess patient risk for adverse outcomes before initiating anticoagulation therapy. More recently, a revised score, CHADS2-VASc, has been suggested as more applicable to a wider range of patients,531 but this revised score has not yet been fully studied in patients with HF. Regardless of whether patients receive rhythm or rate control, anticoagulation is recommended for patients with HF and AF for stroke prevention in the presence of at least 1 additional risk factor. For patients with HF and AF in the absence of another cardioembolic risk factor, anticoagulation is reasonable.

Trials of newer oral anticoagulants have compared efficacy and safety with warfarin therapy rather than placebo. Several new oral anticoagulants are now available, including the factor Xa inhibitors apixaban and rivaroxaban and the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran.508,512–514 These drugs have few food and drug interactions compared with warfarin and no need for routine coagulation monitoring or dose adjustment. The fixed dosing together with fewer interactions may simplify patient management, particularly with the polypharmacy commonly seen in HF. These drugs have a potential for an improved benefit–risk profile compared with warfarin, which may increase their use in practice, especially in those at increased bleeding risk. However, important adverse effects have been noted with these new anticoagulants, including gastrointestinal distress, which may limit compliance. At present, there is no commercially available agent to reverse the effect of these newer drugs. Trials comparing new anticoagulants with warfarin have enrolled >10 000 patients with HF. As more detailed evaluations of the comparative benefits and risks of these newer agents in patients with HF are still pending, the writing committee considered their use in patients with HF and nonvalvular AF as an alternative to warfarin to be reasonable.

The benefit afforded by low-dose aspirin in patients with systolic HF but no previous MI or known CAD (or specifically in patients proven free of CAD) remains unknown. A Cochrane review failed to find sufficient evidence to support its use.532 Retrospective and observational studies again had conflicting results and used very different criteria to identify patients as nonischemic, with some demonstrating protection from aspirin overall532 or only in patients with more severe depression of systolic function,518 whereas others found no benefit from aspirin.530 The high incidence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in most HF studies, combined with a failure to use objective methods to exclude CAD in enrolled patients, may leave this question unanswered. Currently, data are insufficient to recommend aspirin for empiric primary prevention in HF patients known to be free of atherosclerotic disease and without additional risk factors.

See Online Data Supplement 21 for additional data on anticoagulants.

7.3.2.8.2. Statins: Recommendation
Class III: No Benefit
  1. Statins are not beneficial as adjunctive therapy when prescribed solely for the diagnosis of HF in the absence of other indications for their use.533–538 (Level of Evidence: A)

Statin therapy has been broadly implicated in prevention of adverse cardiovascular events, including new-onset HF. Originally designed to lower cholesterol in patients with cardiovascular disease, statins are increasingly recognized for their favorable effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular performance. Several observational and post hoc analyses from large clinical trials have implied that statin therapy may provide clinical benefit to patients with HF.533–536 However, 2 large RCTs have demonstrated that rosuvastatin has neutral effects on long-term outcomes in patients with chronic HFrEF when added to standard GDMT.537,538 At present, statin therapy should not be prescribed primarily for the treatment of HF to improve clinical outcomes.

See Online Data Supplement 22 for additional data on statin therapy.

7.3.2.8.3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Recommendation
Class IIa
  1. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation is reasonable to use as adjunctive therapy in patients with NYHA class II–IV symptoms and HFrEF or HFpEF, unless contraindicated, to reduce mortality and cardiovascular hospitalizations.539,540 (Level of Evidence: B)

Supplementation with omega-3 PUFA has been evaluated as an adjunctive therapy for cardiovascular disease and HF.541 Trials in primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease showed that omega-3 PUFA supplementation results in a 10% to 20% risk reduction in fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events. The GISSI (Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto miocardico) Prevenzione trial demonstrated a 21% reduction in death among post-MI patients taking 1 g of omega-3 PUFA (850 mg to 882 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] as ethyl esters in the ratio of 1:1.2).542 Post hoc subgroup analysis revealed that this reduction in mortality and SCD was concentrated in the approximately 2000 patients with reduced LVEF.539 The GISSI-HF investigators randomized 6975 patients in NYHA class II–IV chronic HF to 1 g daily of omega-3 PUFA (850 mg to 882 mg EPA/DHA) or matching placebo. Death from any cause was reduced from 29% with placebo to 27% in those treated with omega-3 PUFA.540 The outcome of death or admission to hospital for a cardiovascular event was also significantly reduced. In reported studies, this therapy has been safe and very well tolerated.540–543 Further investigations are needed to better define optimal dosing and formulation of omega-3 PUFA supplements. The use of omega-3 PUFA supplementation is reasonable as adjunctive therapy in patients with chronic HF.

See Online Data Supplement 23 for additional data on omega-3 fatty acids.

7.3.2.9. Drugs of Unproven Value or That May Worsen HF: Recommendations
Class III: No Benefit
  1. Nutritional supplements as treatment for HF are not recommended in patients with current or prior symptoms of HFrEF.544,545 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. Hormonal therapies other than to correct deficiencies are not recommended for patients with current or prior symptoms of HFrEF. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class III: Harm
  1. Drugs known to adversely affect the clinical status of patients with current or prior symptoms of HFrEF are potentially harmful and should be avoided or withdrawn whenever possible (eg, most antiarrhythmic drugs, most calcium channel–blocking drugs [except amlodipine], NSAIDs, or thiazolidinediones).546–557 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. Long-term use of infused positive inotropic drugs is potentially harmful for patients with HFrEF, except as palliation for patients with end-stage disease who cannot be stabilized with standard medical treatment (see recommendations for stage D). (Level of Evidence: C)

7.3.2.9.1. Nutritional Supplements and Hormonal Therapies.

Patients with HF, particularly those treated with diuretics, may become deficient in vitamins and micronutrients. Several nutritional supplements (eg, coenzyme Q10, carnitine, taurine, and antioxidants) and hormonal therapies (eg, growth hormone or thyroid hormone) have been proposed for the treatment of HF.558–563 Testosterone has also been evaluated for its beneficial effect in HF with modest albeit preliminary effects.564 Aside from replenishment of documented deficiencies, published data have failed to demonstrate benefit for routine vitamin, nutritional, or hormonal supplementation.565 In most data or other literature regarding nutraceuticals, there are issues, including outcomes analyses, adverse effects, and drug-nutraceutical interactions, that remain unresolved.

No clinical trials have demonstrated improved survival rates with use of nutritional or hormonal therapy, with the exception of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation as previously noted. Some studies have suggested a possible effect for coenzyme Q10 in reduced hospitalization rates, dyspnea, and edema in patients with HF, but these benefits have not been seen uniformly.566–569 Because of possible adverse effects and drug interactions of nutritional supplements and their widespread use, clinicians caring for patients with HF should routinely inquire about their use. Until more data are available, nutritional supplements or hormonal therapies are not recommended for the treatment of HF.

7.3.2.9.2. Antiarrhythmic Agents.

With atrial and ventricular arrhythmias contributing to the morbidity and mortality of HF, various classes of antiarrhythmic agents have been repeatedly studied in large RCTs. Instead of conferring survival benefit, however, nearly all antiarrhythmic agents increase mortality in the HF population.548–550 Most antiarrhythmics have some negative inotropic effect and some, particularly the class I and class III antiarrhythmic drugs, have proarrhythmic effects. Hence, class I sodium channel antagonists and the class III potassium channel blockers d-sotalol and dronedarone should be avoided in patients with HF. Amiodarone and dofetilide are the only antiarrhythmic agents to have neutral effects on mortality in clinical trials of patients with HF and thus are the preferred drugs for treating arrhythmias in this patient group.570–573

See Online Data Supplement 24 for additional data on antiarrhythmic agents.

7.3.2.9.3. Calcium Channel Blockers: Recommendation
Class III: No Benefit
  1. Calcium channel–blocking drugs are not recommended as routine treatment for patients with HFrEF.551,574,575 (Level of Evidence: A)

By reducing peripheral vasoconstriction and LV afterload, calcium channel blockers were thought to have a potential role in the management of chronic HF. However, first-generation dihydropyridine and nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers also have myocardial depressant activity. Several clinical trials have demonstrated either no clinical benefit or even worse outcomes in patients with HF treated with these drugs.546,547,551–553 Despite their greater selectivity for calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells, second-generation calcium channel blockers, dihydropyridine derivatives such as amlodipine and felodipine, have failed to demonstrate any functional or survival benefit in patients with HF.575–579 Amlodipine, however, may be considered in the management of hypertension or ischemic heart disease in patients with HF because it is generally well tolerated and had neutral effects on morbidity and mortality in large RCTs. In general, calcium channel blockers should be avoided in patients with HFrEF.

See Online Data Supplement 25 for additional data on calcium channel blockers.

7.3.2.9.4. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.

NSAIDs inhibit the synthesis of renal prostaglandins, which mediate vasodilation in the kidneys and directly inhibit sodium resorption in the thick ascending loop of Henle and collecting tubule. Hence, NSAIDs can cause sodium and water retention and blunt the effects of diuretics. Several observational cohort studies have revealed increased morbidity and mortality in patients with HF using either nonselective or selective NSAIDs.554–556,580–582

See Online Data Supplement 26 for additional data on NSAIDs.

7.3.2.9.5. Thiazolidinediones.

Thiazolidinediones increase insulin sensitivity by activating nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. Expressed in virtually all tissues, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma also regulates sodium reabsorption in the collecting ducts of the kidney. In clinical trials, thiazolidinediones have been associated with increased incidence of HF events, even in those without any prior history of clinical HF.557,583–588

See Table 19 for a summary of recommendations from this section and Table 20 for strategies for achieving optimal GDMT; see Online Data Supplement 27 for additional data on thiazolidinediones.

Table 19. Recommendations for Pharmacological Therapy for Management of Stage C HFrEF

Table 19.

Table 19. Recommendations for Pharmacological Therapy for Management of Stage C HFrEF

Table 20. Strategies for Achieving Optimal GDMT

1. Uptitrate in small increments to the recommended target dose or the highest tolerated dose for those medications listed in Table 15 with an appreciation that some patients cannot tolerate the full recommended doses of all medications, particularly patients with low baseline heart rate or blood pressure or with a tendency to postural symptoms.
2. Certain patients (eg, the elderly, patients with chronic kidney disease) may require more frequent visits and laboratory monitoring during dose titration and more gradual dose changes. However, such vulnerable patients may accrue considerable benefits from GDMT. Inability to tolerate optimal doses of GDMT may change after disease-modifying interventions such as CRT.
3. Monitor vital signs closely before and during uptitration, including postural changes in blood pressure or heart rate, particularly in patients with orthostatic symptoms, bradycardia, and/or "low" systolic blood pressure (eg, 80 to 100 mm Hg).
4. Alternate adjustments of different medication classes (especially ACE inhibitors/ARBs and beta blockers) listed in Table 15. Patients with elevated or normal blood pressure and heart rate may tolerate faster incremental increases in dosages.
5. Monitor renal function and electrolytes for rising creatinine and hyperkalemia, recognizing that an initial rise in creatinine may be expected and does not necessarily require discontinuation of therapy; discuss tolerable levels of creatinine above baseline with a nephrologist if necessary.
6. Patients may complain of symptoms of fatigue and weakness with dosage increases; in the absence of instability in vital signs, reassure them that these symptoms are often transient and usually resolve within a few days of these changes in therapy.
7. Discourage sudden spontaneous discontinuation of GDMT medications by the patient and/or other clinicians without discussion with managing clinicians.
8. Carefully review doses of other medications for HF symptom control (eg, diuretics, nitrates) during uptitration.
9. Consider temporary adjustments in dosages of GDMT during acute episodes of noncardiac illnesses (eg, respiratory infections, risk of dehydration, etc).
10. Educate patients, family members, and other clinicians about the expected benefits of achieving GDMT, including an understanding of the potential benefits of myocardial reverse remodeling, increased survival, and improved functional status and HRQOL.

7.3.3. Pharmacological Treatment for Stage C HFpEF: Recommendations

See Table 21 for a summary of recommendations from this section.

Table 21. Recommendations for Treatment of HFpEF

Table 21.

Table 21. Recommendations for Treatment of HFpEF

Class I

  1. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure should be controlled in patients with HFpEF in accordance with published clinical practice guidelines to prevent morbidity.27,91 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. Diuretics should be used for relief of symptoms due to volume overload in patients with HFpEF. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class IIa

  1. Coronary revascularization is reasonable in patients with CAD in whom symptoms (angina) or demonstrable myocardial ischemia is judged to be having an adverse effect on symptomatic HFpEF despite GDMT. (Level of Evidence: C)

  2. Management of AF according to published clinical practice guidelines in patients with HFpEF is reasonable to improve symptomatic HF (Section 9.1). (Level of Evidence: C)

  3. The use of beta-blocking agents, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs in patients with hypertension is reasonable to control blood pressure in patients with HFpEF. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class IIb

  1. The use of ARBs might be considered to decrease hospitalizations for patients with HFpEF.589 (Level of Evidence: B)

Class III: No Benefit

  1. Routine use of nutritional supplements is not recommended for patients with HFpEF. (Level of Evidence: C)

Trials using comparable and efficacious agents for HFrEF have generally been disappointing when used in patients with HFpEF.590 Thus, most of the recommended therapies for HFpEF are directed at symptoms, especially comorbidities, and risk factors that may worsen cardiovascular disease.

Blood pressure control concordant with existing hypertension guidelines remains the most important recommendation in patients with HFpEF. Evidence from an RCT has shown that improved blood pressure control reduces hospitalization for HF,591 decreases cardiovascular events, and reduces HF mortality in patients without prevalent HF.311 In hypertensive patients with HFpEF, aggressive treatment (often with several drugs with complementary mechanisms of action) is recommended. ACE inhibitors and/or ARBs are often considered as first-line agents. Specific blood pressure targets in HFpEF have not been firmly established; thus, the recommended targets are those used for general hypertensive populations.

CAD is common in patients with HFpEF592; however, there are no studies to determine the impact of revascularization on symptoms or outcomes specifically in patients with HFpEF. In general, contemporary revascularization guidelines10,12 should be used in the care of patients with HFpEF and concomitant CAD. Specific to this population, it might be reasonable to consider revascularization in patients for whom ischemia appears to contribute to HF symptoms, although this determination can be difficult.

Theoretical mechanisms for the worsening of HF symptoms by AF among patients with HFpEF include shortened diastolic filling time with tachycardia and the loss of atrial contribution to LV diastolic filling. Conversely, chronotropic incompetence is also a concern. Slowing the heart rate is useful in tachycardia but not in normal resting heart rate; a slow heart rate prolongs diastasis and worsens chronotropic incompetence. Currently, there are no specific trials of rate versus rhythm control in HFpEF.

7.3.4. Device Therapy for Stage C HFrEF: Recommendations

See Table 22 for a summary of recommendations from this section.

Table 22. Recommendations for Device Therapy for Management of Stage C HF

Table 22.

Table 22. Recommendations for Device Therapy for Management of Stage C HF

Class I

  1. ICD therapy is recommended for primary prevention of SCD to reduce total mortality in selected patients with nonischemic DCM or ischemic heart disease at least 40 days post-MI with LVEF of 35% or less and NYHA class II or III symptoms on chronic GDMT, who have reasonable expectation of meaningful survival for more than 1 year.†355,593 (Level of Evidence: A)

  2. CRT is indicated for patients who have LVEF of 35% or less, sinus rhythm, left bundle-branch block (LBBB) with a QRS duration of 150 ms or greater, and NYHA class II, III, or ambulatory IV symptoms on GDMT. (Level of Evidence: A for NYHA class III/IV 38,78,116,594; Level of Evidence: B for NYHA class II 595,596)

  3. ICD therapy is recommended for primary prevention of SCD to reduce total mortality in selected patients at least 40 days post-MI with LVEF of 30% or less, and NYHA class I symptoms while receiving GDMT, who have reasonable expectation of meaningful survival for more than 1 year.†362,597,598 (Level of Evidence: B)

Class IIa

  1. CRT can be useful for patients who have LVEF of 35% or less, sinus rhythm, a non-LBBB pattern with a QRS duration of 150 ms or greater, and NYHA class III/ambulatory class IV symptoms on GDMT.78,116,594,596 (Level of Evidence: A)

  2. CRT can be useful for patients who have LVEF of 35% or less, sinus rhythm, LBBB with a QRS duration of 120 to 149 ms, and NYHA class II, III, or ambulatory IV symptoms on GDMT.78,116,594–596,599 (Level of Evidence: B)

  3. CRT can be useful in patients with AF and LVEF of 35% or less on GDMT if a) the patient requires ventricular pacing or otherwise meets CRT criteria and b) atrioventricular nodal ablation or pharmacological rate control will allow near 100% ventricular pacing with CRT.600–605 (Level of Evidence: B)

  4. CRT can be useful for patients on GDMT who have LVEF of 35% or less and are undergoing placement of a new or replacement device implantation with anticipated requirement for significant (>40%) ventricular pacing.155,602,606,607 (Level of Evidence: C)

Class IIb

  1. The usefulness of implantation of an ICD is of uncertain benefit to prolong meaningful survival in patients with a high risk of nonsudden death as predicted by frequent hospitalizations, advanced frailty, or comorbidities such as systemic malignancy or severe renal dysfunction.†608–611 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. CRT may be considered for patients who have LVEF of 35% or less, sinus rhythm, a non-LBBB pattern with QRS duration of 120 to 149 ms, and NYHA class III/ambulatory class IV on GDMT.596,612 (Level of Evidence: B)

  3. CRT may be considered for patients who have LVEF of 35% or less, sinus rhythm, a non-LBBB pattern with a QRS duration of 150 ms or greater, and NYHA class II symptoms on GDMT.595,596 (Level of Evidence: B)

  4. CRT may be considered for patients who have LVEF of 30% or less, ischemic etiology of HF, sinus rhythm, LBBB with a QRS duration of 150 ms or greater, and NYHA class I symptoms on GDMT.595,596 (Level of Evidence: C)

Class III: No Benefit

  1. CRT is not recommended for patients with NYHA class I or II symptoms and non-LBBB pattern with QRS duration less than 150 ms.595,596,612 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. CRT is not indicated for patients whose comorbidities and/or frailty limit survival with good functional capacity to less than 1 year.38 (Level of Evidence: C)

See Figure 2, indications for CRT therapy algorithm.

Figure 2.
  • Download figure
  • Download PowerPoint

Figure 2. Indications for CRT therapy algorithm. CRT indicates cardiac resynchronization therapy; CRT-D, cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator; GDMT, guideline-directed medical therapy; HF, heart failure; ICD, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; LBBB, left bundle-branch block; LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction; MI, myocardial infarction; and NYHA, New York Heart Association.

7.3.4.1. Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

Patients with reduced LVEF are at increased risk for ventricular tachyarrhythmias leading to SCD. Sudden death in HFrEF has been substantially decreased by neurohormonal antagonists that alter disease progression and also protect against arrhythmias. Nonetheless, patients with systolic dysfunction remain at increased risk for SCD due to ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Patients who have had sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, unexplained syncope, or cardiac arrest are at highest risk for recurrence. Indications for ICD therapy as secondary prevention of SCD in these patients are also discussed in the ACCF/AHA/HRS device-based therapy guideline.4

The use of ICDs for primary prevention of SCD in patients with HFrEF without prior history of arrhythmias or syncope has been evaluated in multiple RCTs. ICD therapy for primary prevention was demonstrated to reduce all-cause mortality. For patients with LVEF ≤30% after remote MI, use of ICD therapy led to a 31% decrease in mortality over 20 months, for an absolute decrease of 5.6%.362 For patients with mild to moderate symptoms of HF with LVEF ≤35% due either to ischemic or nonischemic etiology, there was a 23% decrease in mortality over a 5-year period, for an absolute decrease of 7.2%.593 For both these trials, the survival benefit appeared after the first year. Other smaller trials were consistent with this degree of benefit, except for patients within the first 40 days after acute MI, in whom SCD was decreased but there was an increase in other events such that there was no net benefit for survival.598,614 Both SCD and total mortality are highest in patients with HFrEF with class IV symptoms, in whom ICDs are not expected to prolong meaningful survival and are not indicated except in those for whom heart transplantation or MCS is anticipated.

The use of ICDs for primary prevention in patients with HFrEF should be considered only in the setting of optimal GDMT and with a minimum of 3 to 6 months of appropriate medical therapy. A repeat assessment of ventricular function is appropriate to assess any recovery of ventricular function on GDMT that would be above the threshold where an ICD is indicated. This therapy will often improve ventricular function to a range for which the risk of sudden death is too low to warrant placement of an ICD. In addition, the trials of ICDs for primary prevention of SCD studied patients who were already on GDMT.

ICDs are highly effective in preventing death from ventricular arrhythmias, but frequent shocks can decrease HRQOL and lead to posttraumatic stress syndrome.615 Therapy with antiarrhythmic drugs and catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia can decrease the number of ICD shocks given and can sometimes improve ventricular function in cases of very frequent ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Refined device programming can optimize pacing therapies to avert the need for shocks, minimize inappropriate shocks, and avoid aggravation of HF by frequent ventricular pacing. Although there have been occasional recalls of device generators, these are exceedingly rare in comparison to complications related to intracardiac device leads, such as fracture and infection.

ICDs are indicated only in patients with a reasonable expectation of survival with good functional status beyond a year, but the range of uncertainty remains wide. The complex decision about the relative risks and benefits of ICDs for primary prevention of SCD must be individualized for each patient. Unlike other therapies that can prolong life with HF, the ICD does not modify the disease except in conjunction with CRT. Patients with multiple comorbidities have a higher rate of implant complications and higher competing risks of death from noncardiac causes.616 Older patients, who are at a higher risk of nonsudden death, are often underrepresented in the pivotal trials where the average patient is <65 years of age.617 The major trials for secondary prevention of SCD showed no benefit in patients >75 years of age,618 and a meta-analysis of primary prevention of SCD also suggested lesser effectiveness of ICDs.619 Populations of patients with multiple HF hospitalizations, particularly in the setting of chronic kidney disease, have a median survival rate of <2 years, during which the benefit of the ICD may not be realized.608 There is widespread recognition of the need for further research to identify patients most and least likely to benefit from ICDs for primary prevention of SCD in HF. Similar considerations apply to the decision to replace the device generator.

Consideration of ICD implantation is highly appropriate for shared decision making.30 The risks and benefits carry different relative values depending on patient goals and preferences. Discussion should include the potential for SCD and nonsudden death from HF or noncardiac conditions. Information should be provided in a format that patients can understand about the estimated efficacy, safety, and potential complications of an ICD and the ease with which defibrillation can be inactivated if no longer desired.620 As the prevalence of implantable devices increases, it is essential that clearly defined processes be in place to support patients and families when decisions about deactivation arise.621

7.3.4.2. Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

In approximately one third of patients, HF progression is accompanied by substantial prolongation of the QRS interval, which is associated with worse outcome.622 Multisite ventricular pacing (termed CRT or biventricular pacing) can improve ventricular contractile function, diminish secondary mitral regurgitation, reverse ventricular remodeling, and sustain improvement in LVEF. Increased blood pressure with CRT can allow increased titration of neurohormonal antagonist medications that may further contribute to improvement. Benefits were proven initially in trials of patients with NYHA class III or ambulatory class IV HF symptoms and QRS duration of ≥120 to 130 ms. These results have included a decrease of approximately 30% in rehospitalization and reductions in all-cause mortality in the range of 24% to 36%. Improvement in survival is evident as early as the first 3 months of therapy. Functional improvements have been demonstrated on average as a 1 to 2 mL/kg/min increase in peak oxygen consumption, 50- to 70-meter increase in 6-minute walk distance, and a reduction of 10 points or more in the 0- to 105-point scale of the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire, all considered clinically significant. These results include patients with a wide range of QRS duration and, in most cases, sinus rhythm.78,116,594,623

Although it is still not possible to predict with confidence which patients will improve with CRT, further experiences have provided some clarification. Benefit appears confined largely to patients with a QRS duration of at least 150 ms and LBBB pattern.624–628 The weight of the evidence has been accumulated from patients with sinus rhythm, with meta-analyses indicating substantially less clinical benefit in patients with permanent AF.604,605 Because effective CRT requires a high rate of ventricular pacing,629 the benefit for patients with AF is most evident in patients who have undergone atrioventricular nodal ablation, which ensures obligate ventricular pacing.601–603

In general, most data derive from patients with class III symptoms. Patients labeled as having class IV symptoms account for a small minority of patients enrolled. Furthermore, these patients, characterized as "ambulatory" NYHA class IV, are not refractory due to fluid retention, frequently hospitalized for HF, or dependent on continuous intravenous inotropic therapy. CRT should not be considered as "rescue" therapy for stage D HF. In addition, patients with significant noncardiac limitations are unlikely to derive major benefit from CRT.

Since publication of the 2009 HF guideline,38 new evidence supports extension of CRT to patients with milder symptoms. LV remodeling was consistently reversed or halted, with benefit also in reduction of HF hospitalizations.595,596,599 In this population with low 1-year mortality, reduction of HF hospitalization dominated the composite primary endpoints, but a mortality benefit was subsequently observed in a 2-year extended follow-up study630 and in a meta-analysis of 5 trials of CRT in mild HF that included 4213 patients with class II symptoms.631 Overall benefits in class II HF were noted only in patients with QRS ≥150 ms and LBBB, with an adverse impact with shorter QRS duration or non-LBBB.

The entry criterion for LVEF in CRT trials has ranged from ≤30% to ≤40%. The trials with class III–IV symptoms included patients with LVEF ≤35%.78,116,594 The 2 individual trials showing improvement in mortality with class II HF included patients with LVEF ≤30%.632,633 Trials demonstrating significant improvement in LV size and EF have included patients with LVEF ≤35%115 and LVEF ≤40%,599 which also showed reduction in the secondary endpoint of time to hospitalization and a reduction in the composite of clinical HF events comparable to that of all of the CRT trials.624 The congruence of evidence from the totality of CRT trials with regard to remodeling and HF events supports a common threshold of 35% for benefit from CRT in patients with class II, III, and IV HF symptoms. For patients with class II HF, all but 1 of the trials tested CRT in combination with an ICD, whereas there is evidence for benefit with both CRT-defibrillator and CRT alone in patients with class III–IV symptoms.78,116

Although the weight of evidence is substantial for patients with class II symptoms, these CRT trials have included only 372 patients with class I symptoms, most with concomitant ICD for the postinfarction indication.595,599 Considering the risk–benefit ratio for class I, more concern is raised by the early adverse events, which in 1 trial occurred in 13% of patients with CRT-ICD compared with 6.7% in patients with ICD only.596 On the basis of limited data from MADIT-CRT (Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial-Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy), CRT-ICD may be considered for patients with class I symptoms >40 days after MI, LVEF ≤30%, sinus rhythm, LBBB, and QRS ≥150 ms.595

These indications for CRT all include expectation for ongoing GDMT and diuretic therapy as needed for fluid retention. In addition, regular monitoring is required after device implantation because adjustment of HF therapies and reprogramming of device intervals may be required. The trials establishing the benefit of these interventions were conducted in centers offering expertise in both implantation and follow-up. Recommendations for CRT are made with the expectation that they will be performed in centers with expertise and outcome comparable to that of the trials that provide the bases of evidence. The benefit–risk ratio for this intervention would be anticipated to be diminished for patients who do not have access to these specialized care settings or who are nonadherent.

See Online Data Supplements 28 and 29 for additional data on device therapy and CRT.

7.4. Stage D

7.4.1. Definition of Advanced HF

A subset of patients with chronic HF will continue to progress and develop persistently severe symptoms despite maximum GDMT. Various terminologies have been used to describe this group of patients who are classified with ACCF/AHA stage D HF, including "advanced HF," "end-stage HF," and "refractory HF." In the 2009 ACCF/AHA HF guideline, stage D was defined as "patients with truly refractory HF who might be eligible for specialized, advanced treatment strategies, such as MCS, procedures to facilitate fluid removal, continuous inotropic infusions, or cardiac transplantation or other innovative or experimental surgical procedures, or for end-of-life care, such as hospice."38 The European Society of Cardiology has developed a definition of advanced HF with objective criteria that can be useful32 (Table 23). There are clinical clues that may assist clinicians in identifying patients who are progressing toward advanced HF (Table 24). The Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) has developed 7 profiles that further stratify patients with advanced HF (Table 25).635

Table 23. ESC Definition of Advanced HF

1. Severe symptoms of HF with dyspnea and/or fatigue at rest or with minimal exertion (NYHA class III or IV)
2. Episodes of fluid retention (pulmonary and/or systemic congestion, peripheral edema) and/or reduced cardiac output at rest (peripheral hypoperfusion)
3. Objective evidence of severe cardiac dysfunction shown by at least 1 of the following:
 a. LVEF <30%
 b. Pseudonormal or restrictive mitral inflow pattern
 c. Mean PCWP >16 mm Hg and/or RAP >12 mm Hg by PA catheterization
 d. High BNP or NT-proBNP plasma levels in the absence of noncardiac causes
4. Severe impairment of functional capacity shown by 1 of the following:
 a. Inability to exercise
 b. 6-Minute walk distance ≤300 m
 c. Peak V·o 2 <12 to 14 mL/kg/min
5. History of ≥1 HF hospitalization in past 6 mo
6. Presence of all the previous features despite "attempts to optimize" therapy, including diuretics and GDMT, unless these are poorly tolerated or contraindicated, and CRT when indicated

Table 24. Clinical Events and Findings Useful for Identifying Patients With Advanced HF

Repeated (≥2) hospitalizations or ED visits for HF in the past year
Progressive deterioration in renal function (eg, rise in BUN and creatinine)
Weight loss without other cause (eg, cardiac cachexia)
Intolerance to ACE inhibitors due to hypotension and/or worsening renal function
Intolerance to beta blockers due to worsening HF or hypotension
Frequent systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg
Persistent dyspnea with dressing or bathing requiring rest
Inability to walk 1 block on the level ground due to dyspnea or fatigue
Recent need to escalate diuretics to maintain volume status, often reaching daily furosemide equivalent dose >160 mg/d and/or use of supplemental metolazone therapy
Progressive decline in serum sodium, usually to <133 mEq/L
Frequent ICD shocks

Table 25. INTERMACS Profiles

Profile* Profile Description Features
1 Critical cardiogenic shock("Crash and burn") Life-threatening hypotension and rapidly escalating inotropic/pressor support, with critical organ hypoperfusion often confirmed by worsening acidosis and lactate levels.
2 Progressive decline("Sliding fast" on inotropes) "Dependent" on inotropic support but nonetheless shows signs of continuing deterioration in nutrition, renal function, fluid retention, or other major status indicator. Can also apply to a patient with refractory volume overload, perhaps with evidence of impaired perfusion, in whom inotropic infusions cannot be maintained due to tachyarrhythmias, clinical ischemia, or other intolerance.
3 Stable but inotrope dependent Clinically stable on mild-moderate doses of intravenous inotropes (or has a temporary circulatory support device) after repeated documentation of failure to wean without symptomatic hypotension, worsening symptoms, or progressive organ dysfunction (usually renal).
4 Resting symptoms on oral therapy at home Patient who is at home on oral therapy but frequently has symptoms of congestion at rest or with activities of daily living (dressing or bathing). He or she may have orthopnea, shortness of breath during dressing or bathing, gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal discomfort, nausea, poor appetite), disabling ascites, or severe lower-extremity edema.
5 Exertion intolerant ("housebound") Patient who is comfortable at rest but unable to engage in any activity, living predominantly within the house or housebound.
6 Exertion limited("walking wounded") Patient who is comfortable at rest without evidence of fluid overload but who is able to do some mild activity. Activities of daily living are comfortable and minor activities outside the home such as visiting friends or going to a restaurant can be performed, but fatigue results within a few minutes or with any meaningful physical exertion.
7 Advanced NYHA class III Patient who is clinically stable with a reasonable level of comfortable activity, despite a history of previous decompensation that is not recent. This patient is usually able to walk more than a block. Any decompensation requiring intravenous diuretics or hospitalization within the previous month should make this person a Patient Profile 6 or lower.

7.4.2. Important Considerations in Determining If the Patient Is Refractory

Patients considered to have stage D HF should be thoroughly evaluated to ascertain that the diagnosis is correct and that there are no remediable etiologies or alternative explanations for advanced symptoms. For example, it is important to determine that HF and not a concomitant pulmonary disorder is the basis of dyspnea. Similarly, in those with presumed cardiac cachexia, other causes of weight loss should be ruled out. Likewise, other reversible factors such as thyroid disorders should be treated. Severely symptomatic patients presenting with a new diagnosis of HF can often improve substantially if they are initially stabilized. Patients should also be evaluated for nonadherence to medications,636–639 sodium restriction,640 and/or daily weight monitoring.641 Finally, a careful review of prior medical management should be conducted to verify that all evidence-based therapies likely to improve clinical status have been considered.

See Online Data Supplements 30 and 31 for additional data on therapies—important considerations and sildenafil.

7.4.3. Water Restriction: Recommendation

Class IIa

  1. Fluid restriction (1.5 to 2 L/d) is reasonable in stage D, especially in patients with hyponatremia, to reduce congestive symptoms. (Level of Evidence: C)

Recommendations for fluid restriction in HF are largely driven by clinical experience. Sodium and fluid balance recommendations are best implemented in the context of weight and symptom monitoring programs. Routine strict fluid restriction in all patients with HF regardless of symptoms or other considerations does not appear to result in significant benefit.644 Limiting fluid intake to around 2 L/d is usually adequate for most hospitalized patients who are not diuretic resistant or significantly hyponatremic. In 1 study, patients on a similar sodium and diuretic regimen showed higher readmission rates with higher fluid intake, suggesting that fluid intake affects HF outcomes.385 Strict fluid restriction may best be used in patients who are either refractory to diuretics or have hyponatremia. Fluid restriction, especially in conjunction with sodium restriction, enhances volume management with diuretics. Fluid restriction is important to manage hyponatremia, which is relatively common with advanced HF and portends a poor prognosis.645,646 Fluid restriction may improve serum sodium concentration; however, it is difficult to achieve and maintain. In hot or low-humidity climates, excessive fluid restriction predisposes patients with advanced HF to the risk of heat stroke. Hyponatremia in HF is primarily due to an inability to excrete free water. Norepinephrine and angiotensin II activation result in decreased sodium delivery to the distal tubule, whereas arginine vasopressin increases water absorption from the distal tubule. In addition, angiotensin II also promotes thirst. Thus, sodium and fluid restriction in advanced patients with HF is important.

7.4.4. Inotropic Support: Recommendations

Class I

  1. Until definitive therapy (eg, coronary revascularization, MCS, heart transplantation) or resolution of the acute precipitating problem, patients with cardiogenic shock should receive temporary intravenous inotropic support to maintain systemic perfusion and preserve end-organ performance. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class IIa

  1. Continuous intravenous inotropic support is reasonable as "bridge therapy" in patients with stage D HF refractory to GDMT and device therapy who are eligible for and awaiting MCS or cardiac transplantation.647,648 (Level of Evidence: B)

Class IIb

  1. Short-term, continuous intravenous inotropic support may be reasonable in those hospitalized patients presenting with documented severe systolic dysfunction who present with low blood pressure and significantly depressed cardiac output to maintain systemic perfusion and preserve end-organ performance.592,649,650 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. Long-term, continuous intravenous inotropic support may be considered as palliative therapy for symptom control in select patients with stage D HF despite optimal GDMT and device therapy who are not eligible for either MCS or cardiac transplantation.651–653 (Level of Evidence: B)

Class III: Harm

  1. Long-term use of either continuous or intermittent, intravenous parenteral positive inotropic agents, in the absence of specific indications or for reasons other than palliative care, is potentially harmful in the patient with HF.416,654–659 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. Use of parenteral inotropic agents in hospitalized patients without documented severe systolic dysfunction, low blood pressure, or impaired perfusion and evidence of significantly depressed cardiac output, with or without congestion, is potentially harmful.592,649,650 (Level of Evidence: B)

Despite improving hemodynamic compromise, positive inotropic agents have not demonstrated improved outcomes in patients with HF in either the hospital or outpatient setting.416,654–658 Regardless of their mechanism of action (eg, inhibition of phosphodiesterase, stimulation of adrenergic or dopaminergic receptors, calcium sensitization), chronic oral inotrope treatment increased mortality, mostly related to arrhythmic events. Parenteral inotropes, however, remain as an option to help the subset of patients with HF who are refractory to other therapies and are suffering consequences from end-organ hypoperfusion. Inotropes should be considered only in such patients with systolic dysfunction who have low cardiac index and evidence of systemic hypoperfusion and/or congestion (Table 26). To minimize adverse effects, lower doses are preferred. Similarly, the ongoing need for inotropic support and the possibility of discontinuation should be regularly assessed.

Table 26. Intravenous Inotropic Agents Used in Management of HF

Inotropic Agent Dose (mcg/kg) Drug Kinetics and Metabolism Effects Adverse Effects SpecialConsiderations
Bolus Infusion (/min) CO HR SVR PVR
Adrenergic agonists
 Dopamine N/A 5 to 10 t½: 2 to 20 minR,H,P T, HA, N, tissue necrosis Caution: MAO-I
N/A 10 to 15
 Dobutamine N/A 2.5 to 5 t½: 2 to 3 minH ↑/↓BP, HA, T, N, F, hypersensitivity Caution: MAO-I; CI: sulfite allergy
N/A 5 to 20
PDE inhibitor
Milrinone N/R 0.125 to 0.75 t½: 2.5 h H T, ↓BP Renal dosing, monitor LFTs

See Online Data Supplements 32 and 33 for additional data on inotropes.

7.4.5. Mechanical Circulatory Support: Recommendations

Class IIa

  1. MCS is beneficial in carefully selected‡ patients with stage D HFrEF in whom definitive management (eg, cardiac transplantation) or cardiac recovery is anticipated or planned.660–667 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. Nondurable MCS, including the use of percutaneous and extracorporeal ventricular assist devices (VADs), is reasonable as a "bridge to recovery" or "bridge to decision" for carefully selected‡ patients with HFrEF with acute, profound hemodynamic compromise.668–671 (Level of Evidence: B)

  3. Durable MCS is reasonable to prolong survival for carefully selected‡ patients with stage D HFrEF.672–675 (Level of Evidence: B)

MCS has emerged as a viable therapeutic option for patients with advanced stage D HFrEF refractory to optimal GDMT and cardiac device intervention. Since its initial use 50 years ago for postcardiotomy shock,676 the implantable VAD continues to evolve.

Designed to assist the native heart, VADs are differentiated by the implant location (intracorporeal versus extracorporeal), approach (percutaneous versus surgical), flow characteristic (pulsatile versus continuous), pump mechanism (volume displacement, axial, centrifugal), and the ventricle(s) supported (left, right, biventricular). VADs are effective in both the short-term (hours to days) management of acute decompensated, hemodynamically unstable HFrEF that is refractory to inotropic support, and the long-term (months to years) management of stage D chronic HFrEF. Nondurable or temporary, MCS provides an opportunity for decisions about the appropriateness of transition to definitive management such as cardiac surgery or durable, that is, permanent, MCS or, in the case of improvement and recovery, suitability for device removal. Nondurable MCS thereby may be helpful as either a bridge to decision or a bridge to recovery.

More common scenarios for MCS, however, are long-term strategies, including 1) bridge to transplantation, 2) bridge to candidacy, and 3) destination therapy. Bridge to transplant and destination therapy have the strongest evidence base with respect to survival, functional capacity, and HRQOL benefits.

Data from INTERMACS provides valuable information on risk factors and outcomes for patients undergoing MCS. The greatest risk factors for death among patients undergoing bridge to transplant include acuity and severity of clinical condition and evidence of right ventricular failure.677 MCS may also be used as a bridge to candidacy. Retrospective studies have shown reduction in pulmonary pressures with MCS therapy in patients with HF considered to have "fixed" pulmonary hypertension.661–663 Thus, patients who may be transplant-ineligible due to irreversible severe pulmonary hypertension may become eligible with MCS support over time. Other bridge-to-candidacy indications may include obesity and tobacco use in patients who are otherwise candidates for cardiac transplantation. There is ongoing interest in understanding how MCS facilitates LV reverse remodeling. Current scientific and translational research in the area aims to identify clinical, cellular, molecular, and genomic markers of cardiac recovery in the patient with VAD.678,679

See Online Data Supplements 34 and 35 for additional data on MCS and left VADs.

7.4.6. Cardiac Transplantation: Recommendation

Class I

  1. Evaluation for cardiac transplantation is indicated for carefully selected patients with stage D HF despite GDMT, device, and surgical management.680 (Level of Evidence: C)

Cardiac transplantation is considered the gold standard for the treatment of refractory end-stage HF. Since the first successful cardiac transplantation in 1967, advances in immunosuppressive therapy have vastly improved the long-term survival of transplant recipients with a 1-, 3-, and 5-year posttransplant survival rate of 87.8%, 78.5%, and 71.7% in adults, respectively.681 Similarly, cardiac transplantation has been shown to improve functional status and HRQOL.682–688 The greatest survival benefit is seen in those patients who are at highest risk of death from advanced HF.689 Cardiopulmonary exercise testing helps refine candidate selection.690–696 Data suggest acceptable posttransplant outcomes in patients with reversible pulmonary hypertension,697 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,698 peripartum cardiomyopathy,699 restrictive cardiomyopathy,700,701 and muscular dystrophy.702 Selected patients with stage D HF and poor prognosis should be referred to a cardiac transplantation center for evaluation and transplant consideration. Determination of HF prognosis is addressed in Sections 6.1.2 and 7.4.2. The listing criteria and evaluation and management of patients undergoing cardiac transplantation are described in detail by the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation.680

See Table 27 for a summary of recommendations from this section, Figure 3 for the stages of HF development; and Online Data Supplement 36 for additional data on transplantation.

Table 27. Recommendations for Inotropic Support, MCS, and Cardiac Transplantation

Table 27.

Table 27. Recommendations for Inotropic Support, MCS, and Cardiac Transplantation

Figure 3.
  • Download figure
  • Download PowerPoint

Figure 3. Stages in the development of HF and recommended therapy by stage. ACEI indicates angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; AF, atrial fibrillation; ARB, angiotensin-receptor blocker; CAD, coronary artery disease; CRT, cardiac resynchronization therapy; DM, diabetes mellitus; EF, ejection fraction; GDMT, guideline-directed medical therapy; HF, heart failure; HFpEF, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; HFrEF, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; HRQOL, health-related quality of life; HTN, hypertension; ICD, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; LV, left ventricular; LVH, left ventricular hypertrophy; MCS, mechanical circulatory support; and MI, myocardial infarction. Adapted from Hunt et al.38

8. The Hospitalized Patient

8.1. Classification of Acute Decompensated HF

Hospitalization for HF is a growing and major public health issue.703 Presently, HF is the leading cause of hospitalization among patients >65 years of age51; the largest percentage of expenditures related to HF are directly attributable to hospital costs. Moreover, in addition to costs, hospitalization for acutely decompensated HF represents a sentinel prognostic event in the course of many patients with HF, with a high risk for recurrent hospitalization (eg, 50% at 6 months) and a 1-year mortality rate of approximately 30%.211,704 The AHA has published a scientific statement about this condition.705

There is no widely accepted nomenclature for HF syndromes requiring hospitalization. Patients are described as having "acute HF," "acute HF syndromes," or "acute(ly) decompensated HF"; while the third has gained greatest acceptance, it too has limitations, for it does not make the important distinction between those with a de novo presentation of HF from those with worsening of previously chronic stable HF.

Data from HF registries have clarified the profile of patients with HF requiring hospitalization.107,704,706,707 Characteristically, such patients are elderly or near elderly, equally male or female, and typically have a history of hypertension, as well as other medical comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease, hyponatremia, hematologic abnormalities, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.107,706,708–713 A relatively equal percentage of patients with acutely decompensated HF have impaired versus preserved LV systolic function707,714,715; clinically, patients with preserved systolic function are older, more likely to be female, to have significant hypertension, and to have less CAD. The overall morbidity and mortality for both groups is high.

Hospitalized patients with HF can be classified into important subgroups. These include patients with acute coronary ischemia, accelerated hypertension and acutely decompensated HF, shock, and acutely worsening right HF. Patients who develop HF decompensation after surgical procedures also bear mention. Each of these various categories of HF has specific etiologic factors leading to decompensation, presentation, management, and outcomes.

Noninvasive modalities can be used to classify the patient with hospitalized HF. The history and physical examination allows estimation of a patient's hemodynamic status, that is, the degree of congestion ("dry" versus "wet"), as well as the adequacy of their peripheral perfusion ("warm" versus "cold")716 (Figure 4). Chest x-ray is variably sensitive for the presence of interstitial or alveolar edema, even in the presence of elevated filling pressures. Thus, a normal chest x-ray does not exclude acutely decompensated HF.717 The utility of natriuretic peptides in patients with acutely decompensated HF has been described in detail in Section 6.3.1. Both BNP and NT-proBNP are useful for the identification or exclusion of acutely decompensated HF in dyspneic patients,247,249,250,718,719 particularly in the context of uncertain diagnosis.720–722 Other options for diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected acutely decompensated HF, such as acoustic cardiography,723 bioimpedance vector monitoring,724 or noninvasive cardiac output monitoring725 are not yet validated.

Figure 4.
  • Download figure
  • Download PowerPoint

Figure 4. Classification of patients presenting with acutely decompensated heart failure. Adapted with permission from Nohria et al.716

8.2. Precipitating Causes of Decompensated HF: Recommendations

Class I
  1. ACS precipitating acute HF decompensation should be promptly identified by ECG and serum biomarkers, including cardiac troponin testing, and treated optimally as appropriate to the overall condition and prognosis of the patient. (Level of Evidence: C)

  2. Common precipitating factors for acute HF should be considered during initial evaluation, as recognition of these conditions is critical to guide appropriate therapy. (Level of Evidence: C)

ACS is an important cause of worsening or new-onset HF.726 Although acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction can be readily apparent on an ECG, other ACS cases may be more challenging to diagnose. Complicating the clinical scenario is that many patients with acute HF, with or without CAD, have serum troponin levels that are elevated.727

However, many other patients may have low levels of detectable troponins not meeting criteria for an acute ischemic event.278,728 Registry data have suggested that the use of coronary angiography is low for patients hospitalized with decompensated HF, and opportunities to diagnose important CAD may be missed.729 For the patient with newly discovered HF, clinicians should always consider the possibility that CAD is an underlying cause of HF.726

Besides ACS, several other precipitating causes of acute HF decompensation must be carefully assessed to inform appropriate treatment, optimize outcomes, and prevent future acute events in patients with HF.730 See list below.

Common Factors That Precipitate Acute Decompensated HF
  • Nonadherence with medication regimen, sodium and/or fluid restriction

  • Acute myocardial ischemia

  • Uncorrected high blood pressure

  • AF and other arrhythmias

  • Recent addition of negative inotropic drugs (eg, verapamil, nifedipine, diltiazem, beta blockers)

  • Pulmonary embolus

  • Initiation of drugs that increase salt retention (eg, steroids, thiazolidinediones, NSAIDs)

  • Excessive alcohol or illicit drug use

  • Endocrine abnormalities (eg, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism)

  • Concurrent infections (eg, pneumonia, viral illnesses)

  • Additional acute cardiovascular disorders (eg, valve disease endocarditis, myopericarditis, aortic dissection)

Hypertension is an important contributor to acute HF, particularly among blacks, women, and those with HFpEF.731 In the ADHERE registry, almost 50% of patients admitted with HF had blood pressure >140/90 mm Hg.107 Abrupt discontinuation of antihypertensive therapy may precipitate worsening HF. The prevalence of AF in patients with acute HF is >30%.731 Infection increases metabolic demands in general. Pulmonary infections, which are common in patients with HF, may add hypoxia to the increased metabolic demands and are associated with worse outcomes.730 The sepsis syndrome is associated with reversible myocardial depression that is likely mediated by cytokine release.732 Patients with HF are hypercoagulable, and the possibility of pulmonary embolus as an etiology of acute decompensation should be considered. Deterioration of renal function can be both a consequence and contributor to decompensated HF. Restoration of normal thyroid function in those with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may reverse abnormal cardiovascular function.733 In patients treated with amiodarone, thyroid disturbances should be suspected.

Excessive sodium and fluid intake may precipitate acute HF.379,384 Medication nonadherence for financial or other reasons is a major cause of hospital admission.734 Several drugs may precipitate acute HF (eg, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmic agents, glucocorticoids, NSAIDs and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, and over-the-counter agents like pseudoephedrine). Finally, excessive alcohol intake and use of illicit drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, also need to be investigated as potential causes of HF decompensation.

See Online Data Supplement 37 for additional data on comorbidities in the hospitalized patient.

8.3. Maintenance of GDMT During Hospitalization: Recommendations

Class I
  1. In patients with HFrEF experiencing a symptomatic exacerbation of HF requiring hospitalization during chronic maintenance treatment with GDMT, it is recommended that GDMT be continued in the absence of hemodynamic instability or contraindications.195,735,736 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. Initiation of beta-blocker therapy is recommended after optimization of volume status and successful discontinuation of intravenous diuretics, vasodilators, and inotropic agents. Beta-blocker therapy should be initiated at a low dose and only in stable patients. Caution should be used when initiating beta blockers in patients who have required inotropes during their hospital course.195,735,736 (Level of Evidence: B)

The patient's maintenance HF medications should be carefully reviewed on admission, and it should be decided whether adjustments should be made as a result of the hospitalization. In the majority of patients with HFrEF who are admitted to the hospital, oral HF therapy should be continued, or even uptitrated, during hospitalization. It has been demonstrated that continuation of ACE inhibitors or ARBs and beta blockers for most patients is well tolerated and results in better outcomes.195,735,736 Withholding of, or reduction in, beta-blocker therapy should be considered only in patients hospitalized after recent initiation or increase in beta-blocker therapy or with marked volume overload or marginal/low cardiac output. Patients admitted with significant worsening of renal function should be considered for a reduction in, or temporary discontinuation of ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and/or aldosterone antagonists until renal function improves. Although it is important to ensure that evidence-based medications are instituted before hospital discharge, it is equally critical to reassess medications on admission and adjust their administration in light of the worsening HF.

8.4. Diuretics in Hospitalized Patients: Recommendations

Class I
  1. Patients with HF admitted with evidence of significant fluid overload should be promptly treated with intravenous loop diuretics to reduce morbidity.737,738 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. If patients are already receiving loop diuretic therapy, the initial intravenous dose should equal or exceed their chronic oral daily dose and should be given as either intermittent boluses or continuous infusion. Urine output and signs and symptoms of congestion should be serially assessed, and the diuretic dose should be adjusted accordingly to relieve symptoms, reduce volume excess, and avoid hypotension.739 (Level of Evidence: B)

  3. The effect of HF treatment should be monitored with careful measurement of fluid intake and output, vital signs, body weight that is determined at the same time each day, and clinical signs and symptoms of systemic perfusion and congestion. Daily serum electrolytes, urea nitrogen, and creatinine concentrations should be measured during the use of intravenous diuretics or active titration of HF medications. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class IIa
  1. When diuresis is inadequate to relieve symptoms, it is reasonable to intensify the diuretic regimen using either:

  2. a. higher doses of intravenous loop diuretics38,739 (Level of Evidence: B); or

  3. b. addition of a second (eg, thiazide) diuretic.740–743 (Level of Evidence: B).

Class IIb
  1. Low-dose dopamine infusion may be considered in addition to loop diuretic therapy to improve diuresis and better preserve renal function and renal blood flow.744,745 (Level of Evidence: B)

Patients with significant fluid overload should be initially treated with loop diuretics given intravenously during hospitalization. Therapy should begin in the emergency department without delay, as early therapy has been associated with better outcomes.37,738 Patients should be carefully monitored, including serial evaluation of volume status and systemic perfusion. Monitoring of daily weight, supine and standing vital signs, and fluid input and output is necessary for daily management. Assessment of daily electrolytes and renal function should be performed while intravenous diuretics are administered or HF medications are actively titrated. Intravenous loop diuretics have the potential to reduce glomerular filtration rate, further worsen neurohumoral activation, and produce electrolyte disturbances. Thus, although the use of diuretics may relieve symptoms, their impact on mortality has not been well studied. Diuretics should be administered at doses sufficient to achieve optimal volume status and relieve congestion without inducing an excessively rapid reduction in intravascular volume, which could result in hypotension, renal dysfunction, or both. Because loop diuretics have a relatively short half-life, sodium reabsorption in the tubules will occur once the tubular concentration of the diuretics declines. Therefore, limiting sodium intake and dosing the diuretic continuously or multiple times per day will enhance diuretic effectiveness.434,737,746–748

Some patients may present with moderate to severe renal dysfunction such that the diuretic response may be blunted, necessitating higher initial diuretic doses. In many cases, reduction of fluid overload may improve congestion and improve renal function, particularly if significant venous congestion is reduced.749 Clinical experience suggests it is difficult to determine whether congestion has been adequately treated in many patients, and registry data have confirmed that patients are frequently discharged after a net weight loss of only a few pounds. Although patients may rapidly improve symptomatically, they may remain congested or hemodynamically compromised. Routine use of serial natriuretic peptide measurement or Swan-Ganz catheter has not been conclusively shown to improve outcomes among these patients. Nevertheless, careful evaluation of all physical findings, laboratory parameters, weight change, and net fluid change should be considered before discharge.

When a patient does not respond to initial intravenous diuretics, several options may be considered. Efforts should be made to make certain that congestion persists and that another hemodynamic profile or alternate disease process is not evident. If there is doubt about the fluid status, consideration should be given for assessment of filling pressures and cardiac output using right-heart catheterization. If volume overload is confirmed, the dose of the loop diuretic should be increased to ensure that adequate drug levels reach the kidney. Adding a second diuretic, typically a thiazide, can improve diuretic responsiveness.435,442,443 Theoretically, continuous diuretic infusion may enhance diuresis because continuous diuretic delivery to the nephron avoids rebound sodium and fluid reabsorption.440,441,750,751 However, the DOSE (Diuretic Optimization Strategies Evaluation) trial did not find any significant difference between continuous infusion versus intermittent bolus strategies for symptoms, diuresis, or outcomes.739 It is reasonable to try an alternate approach of using either bolus or continuous infusion therapy different from the initial strategy among patients who are resistant to diuresis. Finally, some data suggest that low-dose dopamine infusion in addition to loop diuretics may improve diuresis and better preserve renal function, although ongoing trials will provide further data on this effect.744

See Online Data Supplement 17 for additional data on diuretics.

8.5. Renal Replacement Therapy—Ultrafiltration: Recommendations

Class IIb
  1. Ultrafiltration may be considered for patients with obvious volume overload to alleviate congestive symptoms and fluid weight.752 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. Ultrafiltration may be considered for patients with refractory congestion not responding to medical therapy. (Level of Evidence: C)

If all diuretic strategies are unsuccessful, ultrafiltration may be considered. Ultrafiltration moves water and small- to medium-weight solutes across a semipermeable membrane to reduce volume overload. Because the electrolyte concentration is similar to plasma, relatively more sodium can be removed than by diuretics.753–755 Initial studies supporting use of ultrafiltration in HF were small but provided safety and efficacy data in acute HF.755–757 Use of ultrafiltration in HF has been shown to reduce neurohormone levels and increase diuretic responsiveness. In a larger trial of 200 unselected patients with acute HF, ultrafiltration did reduce weight compared with bolus or continuous diuretics at 48 hours, had similar effects on the dyspnea score compared with diuretics, and improved readmission rate at 90 days.752 A randomized acute HF trial in patients with cardiorenal syndrome and persistent congestion has failed to demonstrate a significant advantage of ultrafiltration over bolus diuretic therapy.758,759 Cost, the need for veno-venous access, provider experience, and nursing support remain concerns about the routine use of ultrafiltration. Consultation with a nephrologist is appropriate before initiating ultrafiltration, especially in circumstances where the non-nephrology provider does not have sufficient experience with ultrafiltration.

See Online Data Supplements 17 and 38 for additional data on diuretics versus ultrafiltration in acute decompensated HF and worsening renal function and mortality.

8.6. Parenteral Therapy in Hospitalized HF: Recommendation

Class IIb
  1. If symptomatic hypotension is absent, intravenous nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, or nesiritide may be considered an adjuvant to diuretic therapy for relief of dyspnea in patients admitted with acutely decompensated HF.760–763 (Level of Evidence: A)

The different vasodilators include 1) intravenous nitroglycerin, 2) sodium nitroprusside, and 3) nesiritide.

Intravenous nitroglycerin acts primarily through venodilation, lowers preload, and may help to rapidly reduce pulmonary congestion.764,765 Patients with HF and hypertension, coronary ischemia, or significant mitral regurgitation are often cited as ideal candidates for the use of intravenous nitroglycerin. However, tachyphylaxis to nitroglycerin may develop within 24 hours, and up to 20% of those with HF may develop resistance to even high doses.766–768

Sodium nitroprusside is a balanced preload-reducing venodilator and afterload-reducing arteriodilator that also dilates the pulmonary vasculature.769 Data demonstrating efficacy are limited, and invasive hemodynamic blood pressure monitoring (such as an arterial line) is typically required; in such cases, blood pressure and volume status should be monitored frequently. Nitroprusside has the potential for producing marked hypotension and is usually used in the intensive care setting as well; longer infusions of the drug have been rarely associated with thiocyanate toxicity, particularly in the setting of renal insufficiency. Nitroprusside is potentially of value in severely congested patients with hypertension or severe mitral valve regurgitation complicating LV dysfunction.

Nesiritide (human BNP) reduces LV filling pressure but has variable effects on cardiac output, urinary output, and sodium excretion. An initial study demonstrated that the severity of dyspnea is reduced more rapidly compared with diuretics alone.760 A large randomized trial in patients with acute decompensated HF demonstrated nesiritide had no impact on mortality, rehospitalization, or renal function, a small but statistically significant impact on dyspnea, and an increased risk of hypotension.762 Because nesiritide has a longer effective half-life than nitroglycerin or nitroprusside, adverse effects such as hypotension may persist longer. Overall, presently there are no data that suggest that intravenous vasodilators improve outcomes in the patient hospitalized with HF; as such, use of intravenous vasodilators is limited to the relief of dyspnea in the hospitalized HF patient with intact blood pressure. Administration of intravenous vasodilators in patients with HFpEF should be done with caution because these patients are typically more volume sensitive.

The use of inotropic support as indicated for hospitalized HF with shock or impending shock and/or end-organ perfusion limitations is addressed in Section 7.4.4. See Table 26 for drug therapies and Online Data Supplements 32 and 33 for additional information on inotropic support.

See Online Data Supplement 39 for additional data on nesiritide.

8.7. Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Hospitalized Patients: Recommendation

Class I
  1. A patient admitted to the hospital with decompensated HF should receive venous thromboembolism prophylaxis with an anticoagulant medication if the risk–benefit ratio is favorable.21,770 (Level of Evidence: B)

HF has long been recognized as affording additional risk for venous thromboembolic disease, associated with a number of pathophysiologic changes, including reduced cardiac output, increased systemic venous pressure, and chemical changes promoting blood clotting. When patients are hospitalized for decompensated HF or when patients with chronic stable HF are hospitalized for other reasons, they are at increased risk for venous thromboembolic disease, although accurate numerical estimates are lacking in the literature.

Most early data on the effectiveness of different anticoagulant regimens to reduce the incidence of venous thromboembolic disease in hospitalized patients were either observational, retrospective reports776,777 or prospective studies using a variety of drugs and differing definitions of therapeutic effect and endpoints,774,778–780 making summary conclusions difficult. Early studies involved patients with far longer hospital lengths of stay than occur presently and were performed well before present standard-of-care treatments and diagnostic tests were available.774,778–780 Newer trials using presently available antithrombotic drugs often were not limited to patients with HF but included those with other acute illnesses, severe respiratory diseases, or simply a broad spectrum of hospitalized medical patients.771–774,781 In most studies, patients were categorized as having HF by admitting diagnosis, clinical signs, or functional class, whereas only 1 study782 provided LVEF data on enrolled study patients. All included trials tried to exclude patients perceived to have an elevated risk of bleeding complications or with an elevated risk of toxicity from the specific agent tested (eg, enoxaparin in patients with compromised renal function). Patients with HF typically made up a minority of the study cohort, and significance of results were not always reported by the authors, making ACCF/AHA class I recommendations difficult to support using this guideline methodology. In some trials, concurrent aspirin was allowed but not controlled for as a confounding variable.772,783

For patients admitted specifically for decompensated HF and with adequate renal function (serum creatinine <2.0 mg/dL), randomized trials suggest that enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously once daily770,773,774,783 or unfractionated heparin 5000 units subcutaneously every 8 hours771 will reduce radiographically demonstrable venous thrombosis. Effects on mortality or clinically significant pulmonary embolism rates are unclear. Lower doses of enoxaparin do not appear superior to placebo,770,773 whereas continuing weight-based enoxaparin therapy up to 3 months after hospital discharge does not appear to provide additional benefit.782

A single prospective study failed to demonstrate certoparin to be noninferior to unfractionated heparin,783 whereas retrospective analysis of a prospective trial of dalteparin was underpowered to determine benefit in its HF cohort.776 Fondaparinux failed to show significant difference from placebo in an RCT that included a subgroup of 160 patients with HF.781

No adequate trials have evaluated anticoagulant benefit in patients with chronic but stable HF admitted to the hospital for other reasons. However, the MEDENOX (Medical Patients with Enoxaparin) trial suggested that the benefit of enoxaparin may extend to this population.770,773,774

A systematic review784 failed to demonstrate prophylactic efficacy of graded compression stockings in general medical patients, but significant cutaneous complications were associated with their use. No studies were performed exclusively on patients with HF. Two RCTs in patients with stroke found no efficacy of these devices.785,786

See Online Data Supplement 20 for additional data on anticoagulation.

8.8. Arginine Vasopressin Antagonists: Recommendation

Class IIb
  1. In patients hospitalized with volume overload, including HF, who have persistent severe hyponatremia and are at risk for or having active cognitive symptoms despite water restriction and maximization of GDMT, vasopressin antagonists may be considered in the short term to improve serum sodium concentration in hypervolemic, hyponatremic states with either a V 2 receptor selective or a nonselective vasopressin antagonist.787,788 (Level of Evidence: B)

Even mild hyponatremia may be associated with neurocognitive problems, including falls and attention deficits.789 Treatment of hypervolemic hyponatremia with a V2-selective vasopressin antagonist (tolvaptan) was associated with a significant improvement in the mental component of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form General Health Survey.788 Hyponatremia may be treated with water restriction and maximization of GDMT that modulate angiotensin II, leading to improved renal perfusion and decreased thirst. Alternative causes of hyponatremia (eg, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, hypothyroidism, and hypoaldosteronism) should be assessed. Vasopressin antagonists improve serum sodium in hypervolemic, hyponatremic states787,788; however, longer-term therapy with a V2-selective vasopressin antagonist did not improve mortality in patients with HF.790,791 Currently, 2 vasopressin antagonists are available for clinical use: conivaptan and tolvaptan. It may be reasonable to use a nonselective vasopressin antagonist to treat hyponatremia in patients with HF with cognitive symptoms due to hyponatremia. However, the long-term safety and benefit of this approach remains unknown. A summary of the recommendations for the hospitalized patient appears in Table 28.

Table 28. Recommendations for Therapies in the Hospitalized HF Patient

Table 28.

Table 28. Recommendations for Therapies in the Hospitalized HF Patient

8.9. Inpatient and Transitions of Care: Recommendations

See Table 29 for a summary of recommendations from this section.

Table 29. Recommendations for Hospital Discharge

Table 29.

Table 29. Recommendations for Hospital Discharge

Class I
  1. The use of performance improvement systems and/or evidence-based systems of care is recommended in the hospital and early postdischarge outpatient setting to identify appropriate HF patients for GDMT, provide clinicians with useful reminders to advance GDMT, and assess the clinical response.82,365,706,792–796 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. Throughout the hospitalization as appropriate, before hospital discharge, at the first postdischarge visit, and in subsequent follow-up visits, the following should be addressed.204,795,797–799 (Level of Evidence: B):

  3. initiation of GDMT if not previously established and not contraindicated;

  4. precipitant causes of HF, barriers to optimal care transitions, and limitations in postdischarge support;

  5. assessment of volume status and supine/upright hypotension with adjustment of HF therapy as appropriate;

  6. titration and optimization of chronic oral HF therapy;

  7. assessment of renal function and electrolytes where appropriate;

  8. assessment and management of comorbid conditions;

  9. reinforcement of HF education, self-care, emergency plans, and need for adherence; and

  10. consideration for palliative care or hospice care in selected patients.

  11. Multidisciplinary HF disease-management programs are recommended for patients at high risk for hospital readmission, to facilitate the implementation of GDMT, to address different barriers to behavioral change, and to reduce the risk of subsequent rehospitalization for HF.82,800–802 (Level of Evidence: B)

Class IIa
  1. Scheduling an early follow-up visit (within 7 to 14 days) and early telephone follow-up (within 3 days) of hospital discharge are reasonable.101,803 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. Use of clinical risk-prediction tools and/or biomarkers to identify patients at higher risk for postdischarge clinical events are reasonable.215 (Level of Evidence: B)

Decisions about pharmacological therapies delivered during hospitalization likely can impact postdischarge outcome. Continuation or initiation of HF GDMT prior to hospital discharge is associated with substantially improved clinical outcomes for patients with HFrEF. However, caution should be used when initiating beta blockers in patients who have required inotropes during their hospital course or when initiating ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or aldosterone antagonists in those patients who have experienced marked azotemia or are at risk for hyperkalemia. The patient should be transitioned to oral diuretic therapy to verify its effectiveness. Similarly, optimal volume status should be achieved. Blood pressure should be adequately controlled, and, in patients with AF, ventricular response should also be well controlled. The hospitalization is a "teachable moment" to reinforce patient and family education and develop a plan of care, which should be communicated to the appropriate healthcare team.

Safety for patients hospitalized with HF is crucial. System changes necessary to achieve safer care include the adoption by all US hospitals of a standardized set of 30 "Safe Practices" endorsed by the National Quality Forum804 and National Patient Safety Goals espoused by The Joint Commission.805 Improved communication between clinicians and nurses, medication reconciliation, carefully planned transitions between care settings, and consistent documentation are examples of patient safety standards that should be ensured for patients with HF discharged from the hospital.

The prognosis of patients hospitalized with HF, and especially those with serial readmissions, is suboptimal. Hence, appropriate levels of symptomatic relief, support, and palliative care for patients with chronic HF should be addressed as an ongoing key component of the plan of care, especially when patients are hospitalized with acute decompensation.806 The appropriateness of discussion about advanced therapy or end-of-life preferences is reviewed in Section 11.

For patients with HF, the transition from inpatient to outpatient care can be an especially vulnerable period because of the progressive nature of the disease state, complex medical regimens, the large number of comorbid conditions, and the multiple clinicians who may be involved. Patient education and written discharge instructions or educational material given to the patient, family members, and/or caregiver during the hospital stay or at discharge to home are essential components of transition care. These should address all of the following: activity level, diet, discharge medications, follow-up appointment, weight monitoring, and what to do if symptoms worsen.297 Thorough discharge planning that includes special emphasis on ensuring adherence to an evidence-based medication regimen795 is associated with improved patient outcomes.792,797,807 More intensive delivery of discharge instructions, coupled tightly with subsequent well-coordinated follow-up care for patients hospitalized with HF, has produced positive results in several studies.82,793,800 The addition of a 1-hour, nurse educator–delivered teaching session at the time of hospital discharge, using standardized instructions, resulted in improved clinical outcomes, increased self-care and treatment adherence, and reduced cost of care. Patients receiving the education intervention also had a lower risk of rehospitalization or death and lower costs of care.365 There are ongoing efforts to further develop evidence-based interventions in this population.

Transitional care extends beyond patient education. Care information, especially changes in orders and new diagnostic information, must be transmitted in a timely and clearly understandable form to all of the patient's clinicians who will be delivering follow-up care. Other important components of transitional care include preparation of the patient and caregiver for what to expect at the next site of care, reconciliation of medications, follow-up plans for outstanding tests, and discussions about monitoring signs and symptoms of worsening conditions. Early outpatient follow-up, a central element of transitional care, varies significantly across US hospitals. Early postdischarge follow-up may help minimize gaps in understanding of changes to the care plan or knowledge of test results and has been associated with a lower risk of subsequent rehospitalization.803 A follow-up visit within 7 to 14 days and/or a telephone follow-up within 3 days of hospital discharge are reasonable goals of care.

See Online Data Supplement 40 for additional data on oral medications for the hospitalized patient.

9. Important Comorbidities in HF

9.1. Atrial Fibrillation§

Patients with HF are more likely than the general population to develop AF.808 There is a direct relationship between the NYHA class and prevalence of AF in patients with HF progressing from 4% in those who are NYHA class I to 40% in those who are NYHA class IV.809 AF is also a strong independent risk factor for subsequent development of HF.376,808 In addition to those with HFrEF, patients with HFpEF are also at greater risk for AF than the general age-matched population.811 HF and AF can interact to promote their perpetuation and worsening through mechanisms such as rate-dependent worsening of cardiac function, fibrosis, and activation of neurohumoral vasoconstrictors. AF can worsen symptoms in patients with HF, and, conversely, worsened HF can promote a rapid ventricular response in AF.

Similar to other patient populations, for those with AF and HF, the main goals of therapy are prevention of thromboembolism and symptom control. Most patients with AF and HF would be expected to be candidates for systemic anticoagulation unless otherwise contraindicated. General principles of management include correction of underlying causes of AF and HF as well as optimization of HF management (Table 30). As in other patient populations, the issue of rate control versus rhythm control has been investigated. For patients who develop HF as a result of AF, a rhythm control strategy should be pursued. It is important to recognize that AF with a rapid ventricular response is one of the few potentially reversible causes of HF. Because of this, a patient who presents with newly detected HF in the presence of AF with a rapid ventricular response should be presumed to have a rate-related cardiomyopathy until proved otherwise. In this situation, 2 strategies can be considered. One is rate control of the patient's AF and see if HF and EF improve. The other is to try to restore and maintain sinus rhythm. In this situation, it is common practice to initiate amiodarone and then arrange for cardioversion 1 month later. Amiodarone has the advantage of being both an effective rate-control medication and the most effective antiarrhythmic medication with a lower risk of proarrhythmic effect.

Table 30. Clinical Evaluation in Patients With AF

Minimum evaluation
 1. History and physical examination, to define • Presence and nature of symptoms associated with AF• Clinical type of AF (paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent)• Onset of first symptomatic attack or date of discovery of AF• Frequency, duration, precipitating factors, and modes of termination of AF• Response to any pharmacological agents that have been administered• Presence of any underlying heart disease or other reversible conditions (eg, hyperthyroidism or alcohol consumption)
 2. ECG, to identify • Rhythm (verify AF)• LV hypertrophy• P-wave duration and morphology or fibrillatory waves• Preexcitation• Bundle-branch block• Prior MI• Other atrial arrhythmias• To measure and follow the R-R, QRS, and QT intervals in conjunction with antiarrhythmic drug therapy
 3. Transthoracic echocardiogram, to identify • Valvular heart disease• LA and RA size• LV and RV size and function• Peak RV pressure (pulmonary hypertension)• LV hypertrophy• LA thrombus (low sensitivity)• Pericardial disease
 4. Blood tests of thyroid, renal, and hepatic function • For a first episode of AF, when the ventricular rate is difficult to control
Additional testing (one or several tests may be necessary)
 1. 6-Minute walk test • If the adequacy of rate control is in question
  2. Exercise testing • If the adequacy of rate control is in question (permanent AF)• To reproduce exercise-induced AF• To exclude ischemia before treatment of selected patients with a type IC antiarrhythmic drug
 3. Holter monitoring or event recording • If diagnosis of the type of arrhythmia is in question• As a means of evaluating rate control
 4. Transesophageal echocardiography • To identify LA thrombus (in the LA appendage)• To guide cardioversion
 5. Electrophysiological study • To clarify the mechanism of wide-QRS-complex tachycardia• To identify a predisposing arrhythmia such as atrial flutter or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia• To seek sites for curative ablation or AV conduction block/modification
 6. Chest x-ray to evaluate • Lung parenchyma, when clinical findings suggest an abnormality• Pulmonary vasculature, when clinical findings suggest an abnormality

In patients with HF who develop AF, a rhythm-control strategy has not been shown to be superior to a rate-control strategy.812 If rhythm control is chosen, limited data suggest that AF catheter ablation in HF patients may lead to improvement in LV function and quality of life but is less likely to be effective than in patients with intact cardiac function.813,814 Because of their favorable effect on morbidity and mortality in patients with systolic HF, beta-adrenergic blockers are the preferred agents for achieving rate control unless otherwise contraindicated. Digoxin may be an effective adjunct to a beta blocker. The nondihydropyridine calcium antagonists, such as diltiazem, should be used with caution in those with depressed EF because of their negative inotropic effect. For those with HFpEF, nondihydropyridine calcium antagonists can be effective for achieving rate control but may be more effective when used in combination with digoxin. For those for whom a rate-control strategy is chosen, when rate control cannot be achieved either because of drug inefficacy or intolerance, atrioventricular node ablation and CRT device placement can be useful.78,116,595,596 See Figures 5 and 6 for AF treatment algorithms.

Figure 5.
  • Download figure
  • Download PowerPoint

Figure 5. Pharmacological management of patients with newly discovered AF. AF indicates atrial fibrillation; and HF, heart failure. Reproduced from Fuster et al.6

Figure 6.
  • Download figure
  • Download PowerPoint

Figure 6. Pharmacological management of patients with recurrent paroxysmal AF. AF indicates atrial fibrillation. Reproduced from Fuster et al.6

See Online Data Supplement 41 for additional data on AF.

9.2. Anemia

Anemia is a common finding in patients with chronic HF. Although variably reported, in part due to the lack of consensus on the definition of anemia, the prevalence of anemia among patients with HF increases with HF severity. Anemia is also more common in women and is seen in both patients with HFrEF and HFpEF.818–823 The World Health Organization defines anemia as a hemoglobin level of <12 g/dL in women and <13 g/dL in men. Registries have reported anemia to be present in 25% to 40% of HF patients.818–820 Anemia is associated with an increased mortality risk in HF. In a large study of >150,000 patients, the mortality risk was approximately doubled in anemic HF patients compared with those without anemia, and this risk persisted after controlling for other confounders, including renal dysfunction and HF severity.818 Anemia is also associated with reduced exercise capacity, impaired HRQOL, and a higher risk for hospitalization.225,819,824,825 These risks are inversely and linearly associated with hemoglobin levels, although a U-shaped risk with the highest hemoglobin levels has been reported.822,826

Multiple etiological factors, many of which coexist within individual patients, contribute to the development of anemia in HF. Anemia in patients with HF is often normocytic and accompanied by an abnormally low reticulocyte count.825,827 Evaluation of anemia in HF requires careful consideration of other causes, the most common being secondary causes of iron deficiency anemia.

In persons without identifiable causes of anemia, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents have gained significant interest as potential adjunctive therapy in the patient with HF. In a retrospective study of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in 26 patients with HF and anemia, the hemoglobin level, LVEF, and functional class improved.828 These patients required lower diuretic doses and were hospitalized less often. Similar findings were also observed in a randomized open-label study of 32 patients.829 A single-blind RCT showed that erythropoietin increased hemoglobin, peak oxygen uptake, and exercise duration in patients with severe HF and anemia.830 Two further studies confirmed these findings; however, none of these were double blind.831,832

These positive data led to 2 larger studies. A 165-patient study showed that darbepoetin alfa was associated with improvement in several HRQOL measures with a trend toward improved exercise capacity (6-minute walking distance +34±7 m versus +11±10 m, P=0.074).833 In STAMINA-HeFT (Study of Anemia in Heart Failure Trial), 319 patients were randomly assigned to darbepoetin alfa or placebo for 12 months.834 Although darbepoetin alfa did not improve exercise duration, it was well tolerated, and a trend toward improvement in the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or first hospitalization for HF was seen (hazard ratio: 0.68; 95% confidence interval: 0.43 to 1.08; P=0.10).834 These favorable data led to the design and initiation of the RED-HF (Phase III Reduction of Events With Darbepoetin alfa in Heart Failure) trial.835

Two trials in erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, however, later raised concerns that patients treated with an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent may have an increased risk of cardiovascular events.836,837 Because the populations in these trials differed, the RED-HF trial was continued. Nevertheless, at the completion of the trial, the investigators concluded that treatment with darbepoetin alfa did not improve clinical outcomes in patients with systolic HF and mild-to-moderate anemia.838 Finally, a trial using intravenous iron as a supplement in patients with HFrEF with iron deficiency showed an improvement in functional status.840 There were no untoward adverse effects of iron in this trial. In the absence of a definitive evidence base, the writing committee has deferred a specific treatment recommendation regarding anemia.

9.3. Depression

Depression is common in patients with HF; those with depressive symptoms have lower HRQOL, poorer self-care, worse clinical outcomes, and more use of healthcare services.841–843 Although it might be assumed that depression occurs only among hospitalized patients,844 a multicenter study demonstrated that even at least 3 months after a hospitalization, 63% of patients with HF reported symptoms of depression.845 Potential pathophysiologic mechanisms proposed to explain the high prevalence of depression in HF include autonomic nervous system dysfunction, inflammation, cardiac arrhythmias, and altered platelet function, but the mechanism remains unclear.846 Although remission from depression may improve cardiovascular outcomes, the most effective intervention strategy is not yet known.842

9.4. Other Multiple Comorbidities

Although there are additional and important comorbidities that afflict patients with HF as shown in Table 31, how best to generate specific recommendations remains uncertain, given the status of current evidence.

Table 31. Ten Most Common Co-Occurring Chronic Conditions Among Medicare Beneficiaries With HF (N=4 947 918), 2011

Beneficiaries Age ≥65 y (N=4 376 150)* Beneficiaries Age <65 y (N=571 768)
N % N %
Hypertension 3 685 373 84.2 Hypertension 461 235 80.7
Ischemic heart disease 3 145 718 71.9 Ischemic heart disease 365 889 64.0
Hyperlipidemia 2 623 601 60.0 Diabetes 338 687 59.2
Anemia 2 200 674 50.3 Hyperlipidemia 325 498 56.9
Diabetes 2 027 875 46.3 Anemia 284 102 49.7
Arthritis 1 901 447 43.5 Chronic kidney disease 257 015 45.0
Chronic kidney disease 1 851 812 42.3 Depression 207 082 36.2
COPD 1 311 118 30.0 Arthritis 201 964 35.3
Atrial fibrillation 1 247 748 28.5 COPD 191 016 33.4
Alzheimer's disease/dementia 1 207 704 27.6 Asthma 88 816 15.5

10. Surgical/Percutaneous/Transcatheter Interventional Treatments of HF: Recommendations

See Table 32 for a summary of recommendations from this section.

Table 32. Recommendations for Surgical/Percutaneous/Transcatheter Interventional Treatments of HF

Table 32.

Table 32. Recommendations for Surgical/Percutaneous/Transcatheter Interventional Treatments of HF

Class I

  1. Coronary artery revascularization via CABG or percutaneous intervention is indicated for patients (HFpEF and HFrEF) on GDMT with angina and suitable coronary anatomy, especially for a left main stenosis (>50%) or left main equivalent disease.10,12,14,848 (Level of Evidence: C)

Class IIa

  1. CABG to improve survival is reasonable in patients with mild to moderate LV systolic dysfunction (EF 35% to 50%) and significant (≥70% diameter stenosis) multivessel CAD or proximal left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis when viable myocardium is present in the region of intended revascularization.848–850 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. CABG or medical therapy is reasonable to improve morbidity and cardiovascular mortality for patients with severe LV dysfunction (EF <35%), HF, and significant CAD.309,851 (Level of Evidence: B)

  3. Surgical aortic valve replacement is reasonable for patients with critical aortic stenosis and a predicted surgical mortality of no greater than 10%.852 (Level of Evidence: B)

  4. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement after careful candidate consideration is reasonable for patients with critical aortic stenosis who are deemed inoperable.853 (Level of Evidence: B)

Class IIb

  1. CABG may be considered with the intent of improving survival in patients with ischemic heart disease with severe LV systolic dysfunction (EF <35%) and operable coronary anatomy whether or not viable myocardium is present.307–309 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. Transcatheter mitral valve repair or mitral valve surgery for functional mitral insufficiency is of uncertain benefit and should only be considered after careful candidate selection and with a background of GDMT.854–857 (Level of Evidence: B)

  3. Surgical reverse remodeling or LV aneurysmectomy may be considered in carefully selected patients with HFrEF for specific indications, including intractable HF and ventricular arrhythmias.858 (Level of Evidence: B)

Surgical therapies and percutaneous interventions that are commonly integrated, or at least considered, in HF management include coronary revascularization (eg, CABG, angioplasty, stenting); aortic valve replacement; mitral valve replacement or repair; septal myectomy or alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; surgical ablation of ventricular arrhythmia; MCS; and cardiac transplantation.675,680,859,860 Surgical placement of ICDs or LV pacing leads is of historical importance but may be considered in situations where transvenous access is not feasible.

The most common reason for intervention is CAD. Myocardial viability indicates the likelihood of improved outcomes with either surgical or medical therapy but does not identify patients with greater survival benefit from revascularization.304 The dictum of CABG for left main CAD and reduced LV function was considered absolute and subsequently extrapolated to all severities of LV dysfunction without a confirmatory evidence base.848 Newer studies have addressed patients with multivessel CAD, HF, and at least moderately severe to severe LV systolic dysfunction.861,862 Both surgical and medical therapies have similar outcomes, and decisions about revascularization should be made jointly by the HF team and cardiothoracic surgeon. The most important considerations in the decision to proceed with a surgical or interventional approach include coronary anatomy that is amenable to revascularization and appropriate concomitant GDMT. Valvular heart disease is not an infrequent cause of HF; however, when valvular disease is managed correctly and pre-emptively, its adverse consequences on ventricular mechanics can be ameliorated. The advent of effective transcatheter approaches to both mitral and aortic disease creates the need for greater considerations of structural interventions for patients with LV systolic dysfunction and valvular heart disease. To date, the surgical or transcatheter management of functional mitral insufficiency has not been proven superior to medical therapy. A decision to intervene in functional mitral regurgitation should be made on a case-by-case basis, and consideration should be given to participation in clinical trials and/or databases. The surgical or transcatheter management of critical aortic stenosis is an effective strategy with reasonable outcomes noted even in patients with advanced age (>80 years). Indications for other surgical or percutaneous interventions in the setting of HF are driven by other relevant guidelines or other sections of this guideline, including myomectomy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, surgical or electrophysiological procedures for AF, nondurable or durable MCS, and heart transplantation.

Several procedures under evaluation hold promise but are not yet appropriate for a guideline-driven indication (Table 33). This includes revascularization as a means to support cellular regenerative therapies. For patients willing to consider regenerative technologies, the ideal strategy is referral to an enrolling clinical trial at a center experienced in both high-risk revascularization and cell-based science.863–865 Surgical reverse-ventricular remodeling (ventricular reconstruction) does not appear to be of benefit but may be considered in carefully selected patients with HFrEF for specified indications, including retractable HF and ventricular arrhythmias.858

Table 33. Surgical/Percutaneous/Transcatheter Interventions in Patients With HF

References
Appropriate Guideline-Directed Surgical/Percutaneous/Transcatheter Interventions for HF
 1. Surgical or percutaneous revascularization 10, 12, 14
 2. Surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement 852, 853
 3. Surgical myomectomy or alcohol ablation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 11
 4. Nondurable MCS for cardiogenic shock 668–671
 5. Durable MCS for advanced HF 672–675
 6. Heart transplantation 680
 7. Surgical/electrophysiological ablation of ventricular tachycardia 866
Surgical/Percutaneous/Transcatheter Interventions Under Evaluation in Patients With HF
 1. Transcatheter intervention for functional mitral insufficiency 854–857
 2. Left atrial resection/left atrial appendage removal, surgical or percutaneous, for AF 867
 3. MCS for advanced HF as a bridge to recovery 868, 869

11. Coordinating Care for Patients With Chronic HF

11.1. Coordinating Care for Patients With Chronic HF: Recommendations
Class I
  1. Effective systems of care coordination with special attention to care transitions should be deployed for every patient with chronic HF that facilitate and ensure effective care that is designed to achieve GDMT and prevent hospitalization.80,82,793,870–884 (Level of Evidence: B)

  2. Every patient with HF should have a clear, detailed, and evidence-based plan of care that ensures the achievement of GDMT goals, effective management of comorbid conditions, timely follow-up with the healthcare team, appropriate dietary and physical activities, and compliance with secondary prevention guidelines for cardiovascular disease. This plan of care should be updated regularly and made readily available to all members of each patient's healthcare team.13 (Level of Evidence: C)

  3. Palliative and supportive care is effective for patients with symptomatic advanced HF to improve quality of life.30,885–888 (Level of Evidence: B)

Education, support, and involvement of patients with HF and their families are critical and often complex, especially during transitions of care. Failure to understand and follow a detailed and often nuanced plan of care likely contributes to the high rates of HF 30-day rehospitalization and mortality seen across the United States.61,889 One critical intervention to ensure effective care coordination and transition is the provision of a comprehensive plan of care, with easily understood, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based educational materials, to patients with HF and/or caregivers during both hospital and office-based encounters. A comprehensive plan of care should promote successful patient self-care.870,884,890 Hence, the plan of care for patients with HF should continuously address in detail a number of complex issues, including adherence to GDMT, timely follow-up with the healthcare professionals who manage the patient's HF and associated comorbidities, appropriate dietary and physical activities, including cardiac rehabilitation, and adherence to an extensive list of secondary prevention recommendations based on established guidelines for cardiovascular disease (Table 34). Clinicians must maintain vigilance about psychosocial, behavioral, and socioeconomic issues that patients with HF and their caregivers face, including access to care, risk of depression, and healthcare disparities.639,891–895 For example, patients with HF who live in skilled nursing facilities are at higher risk for adverse events, with a 1-year mortality rate >50%.896 Furthermore, community-dwelling patients with HF are often unable to afford the large number of medications prescribed, thereby leading to suboptimal medication adherence.897

Table 34. Plan of Care for Patients With Chronic HF

Plan of Care Relevant Guideline Section/Reference
Guideline-directed medical and device therapy
 ACE inhibitor/ARB Sections 7.3.2.2 and 7.3.2.3
 Beta blocker Section 7.3.2.4
 Aldosterone receptor antagonist Section 7.3.2.5
 Diuretic Sections 7.3.2.1 and 8.4
 Hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate Section 7.3.2.6
 Digoxin Section 7.3.2.7
 Discontinuation of drugs that may worsen HF Section 7.3.2.9
 Biomarker-related therapeutic goals Section 6.3
 HF-related devices (MCS, CRT, ICD) Sections 7.3.4 and 7.4.5
Management of comorbidities (examples)
 Ischemic heart disease 2012 ACCF/AHA SIHD Guideline14
 Antithrombotic therapies Section 7.3.2.8.1
 Arrhythmia/arrhythmia risk Sections 7.3.2.9.2 and 9.1
 Hypertension Section 7.1.1, JNC-VII27
 Diabetes mellitus 2012 ADA Standards90
 Chronic renal failure Section 8.5
 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 2011 ACCP/ATS/ERS Guideline908
 Secondary prevention interventions (eg, lipids, smoking cessation, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines) 2011 AHA/ACCF Secondary Prevention and Risk Reduction Guidelines and Centers for Disease Control Adult Vaccinations13,909,910
Patient/family education
 Diet and fluid restriction, weight monitoring Sections 7.3.1.1, 7.3.1.3, 7.3.1.5, and 7.4.3
 Recognizing signs and symptoms of worsening HF Table 24
 Risk assessment and prognosis Sections 3, 4.6, 6.1.2
 QOL assessment 2012 AHA Scientific Statement on Advanced HF30
 Advance care planning (eg, palliative care and advance directives) Section 11.330,888
 CPR training for family members AHA Family & Friends CPR911
 Social support Section 7.3.1.2
Physical activity/cardiac rehabilitation
 Exercise regimen Sections 7.3.1.5 and 7.3.1.6
 Activities of daily living Section 7.3.1.6
 Functional status assessment and classification Section 3
Psychosocial factors
 Sex-specific issues 2011 AHA Guidelines for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women912
 Sexual activity 2012 AHA Scientific Statement on Sexual Activity913
 Depression screening US Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines914
Clinician follow-up and care coordination
 Cardiologists and other relevant specialists 2000 AHA Scientific Statement for Team Management of Patients With HF900
 Primary care physician NQF Preferred Practices for Care Coordination898
 Advanced practice nurse Section 11.1–11.3, Joint Commission 2013 National Patient Safety Goals915
Other healthcare providers (eg, home care)
 Medication reconciliationEstablishment of electronic personal health records HHS Meaningful Use Criteria
 Socioeconomic and cultural factorsCulturally sensitive issues NQF: A Comprehensive Framework and Preferred Practices for Measuring and Reporting Cultural Competency916
 Education and health literacy Section 7.3.1.1
 Social support Section 7.3.1.2
11.2. Systems of Care to Promote Care Coordination for Patients With Chronic HF

Improved communication between clinicians and nurses, medication reconciliation, carefully planned transitions between care settings, and consistent documentation are examples of patient safety standards that should be ensured for all patients with HF. The National Quality Forum has also endorsed a set of patient-centered "Preferred Practices for Care Coordination,"898 which detail comprehensive specifications for successful care coordination for patients and their families.

Systems of care designed to support patients with HF and other cardiac diseases can produce a significant improvement in outcomes. Furthermore, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is now financially penalizing hospitals for avoidable hospitalizations and readmissions, thereby emphasizing the importance of such systems-based care coordination of patients with HF.899 However, the quality of evidence is mixed for specific components of HF clinical management interventions, such as home-based care,871,872 disease management,873,874,880 and remote telemonitoring programs.80,875,876,878 Unfortunately, numerous and nonstandardized definitions of disease management,873,879,880 including the specific elements that compose disease management, impede efforts to improve the care of patients with HF. Hence, more generic multidisciplinary strategies for improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of systems-based HF care should be evaluated with equal weight to those interventions focused on improving adherence to GDMT. For example, multidisciplinary approaches can reduce rates of hospitalization for HF. Programs involving specialized follow-up by a multidisciplinary team decrease all-cause hospitalizations and mortality; however, this has not been shown for "disease management programs" that focus only on self-care activities.82,793,881,882,900 Furthermore, patient characteristics may be important predictors of HF and other cardiac disease–related survival and hospitalization. Overall, very few specific interventions have been consistently identified and successfully applied in clinical practice.204,214,901–903

See Online Data Supplements 42 and 43 for additional data on disease management and telemonitoring.

11.3. Palliative Care for Patients With HF

The core elements of comprehensive palliative care for HF delivered by clinicians include expert symptom assessment and management. Ongoing care should address symptom control, psychosocial distress, HRQOL, preferences about end-of-life care, caregiver support, and assurance of access to evidence-based disease-modifying interventions. The HF team can help patients and their families explore treatment options and prognosis. The HF and palliative care teams are best suited to help patients and families decide when end-of-life care (including hospice) is appropriate.30,885–888,904 Assessment for frailty and dementia is part of this decision care process offered to the patient and family.

Data suggest that advance directives specifying limitations in end-of-life care are associated with significantly lower levels of Medicare spending, lower likelihood of in-hospital death, and higher use of hospice care in regions characterized by higher levels of end-of-life spending.905 In newly diagnosed cancer patients, palliative care interventions delivered early have had a positive impact on survival and HRQOL. This approach may also be relevant for HF.906 Access to formally trained palliative care specialists may be limited in ambulatory settings. Therefore, cardiologists, primary care physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, and other members of the HF healthcare team should be familiar with these local treatment options. Evaluation for cardiac transplantation or MCS in experienced centers should include formal palliative care consultation, which can improve advanced care planning and enhance the overall quality of decision making and integrated care for these patients, regardless of the advanced HF therapy selected.907

12. Quality Metrics/Performance Measures: Recommendations

Class I
  1. Performance measures based on professionally developed clinical practice guidelines should be used with the goal of improving quality of care for HF. 706,801,917 (Level of Evidence: B)

Class IIa
  1. Participation in quality improvement programs and patient registries based on nationally endorsed, clinical practice guideline–based quality and performance measures can be beneficial in improving the quality of HF care. 706,801 (Level of Evidence: B)

Quality measurement and accountability have become integral parts of medical practice over the past 2 decades. HF has been a specific target of quality measurement, improvement, and reporting because of its substantial impact on population morbidity and mortality. Commonly used performance measures for HF can be considered in 2 distinct categories: process measures and outcomes measures.

Process performance measures focus on the aspects of care that are delivered to a patient (eg, the prescription of a particular drug such as an ACE inhibitor in patients with LV systolic dysfunction and without contraindications). Process measures derive from the most definitive guideline recommendations (ie, class I and class III recommendations). A small group of process measures for hospitalized patients with HF have been reported to the public by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as part of the Hospital Compare program.918

Measures used to characterize the care of patients with HF should be those developed in a multiorganizational consensus process using an explicit methodology focusing on measurability, validity, reliability, feasibility, and ideally, correlation with patient outcomes,919,920 and with transparent disclosure and management of possible conflicts of interest. In the case of HF, several national outcome measures are currently in use (Table 35), and the ACCF/AHA/American Medical Association–Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement recently published revised performance measures document includes several process measures for both inpatient and outpatient HF care (Table 36).921 Of note, the ACCF/AHA distinguish between processes of care that can be considered "Performance Measures" (ie, suitable for use for accountability purposes) and "Quality Metrics" (ie, suitable for use for quality improvement but not accountability).922

Table 35. Outcome Measures for HF

Measure Developer
Congestive HF mortality rate (NQF endorsed) Agency for Health Research and Quality
HF 30-day mortality rate (NQF endorsed) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Congestive HF admission rate (NQF endorsed) Agency for Health Research and Quality
HF 30-day risk-standardized HF readmission rate (NQF endorsed) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Table 36. ACCF/AHA/AMA-PCPI 2011 HF Measurement Set

Measure Description* Care Setting Level of Measurement
1. LVEF assessment Percentage of patients aged ≥18 y with a diagnosis of HF for whom the quantitative or qualitative results of a recent or prior (any time in the past) LVEF assessment is documented within a 12-mo period Outpatient Individual practitioner
2. LVEF assessment Percentage of patients aged ≥18 y with a principal discharge diagnosis of HF with documentation in the hospital record of the results of an LVEF assessment performed either before arrival or during hospitalization, OR documentation in the hospital record that LVEF assessment is planned for after discharge Inpatient • Individual practitioner• Facility
3. Symptom and activity assessment Percentage of patient visits for those patients aged ≥18 y with a diagnosis of HF with quantitative results of an evaluation of both current level of activity and clinical symptoms documented Outpatient Individual practitioner
4. Symptom management Percentage of patient visits for those patients aged ≥18 y with a diagnosis of HF and with quantitative results of an evaluation of both level of activity AND clinical symptoms documented in which patient symptoms have improved or remained consistent with treatment goals since last assessment OR patient symptoms have demonstrated clinically important deterioration since last assessment with a documented plan of care Outpatient Individual practitioner
5. Patient self-care education Percentage of patients aged ≥18 y with a diagnosis of HF who were provided with self-care education on ≥3 elements of education during ≥1 visits within a 12-mo period Outpatient Individual practitioner
6. Beta-blocker therapy for LVSD (outpatient and inpatient setting) Percentage of patients aged ≥18 y with a diagnosis of HF with a current or prior LVEF <40% who were prescribed beta-blocker therapy with bisoprolol, carvedilol, or sustained-release metoprolol succinate either within a 12-mo period when seen in the outpatient setting or at hospital discharge Inpatient and outpatient • Individual practitioner• Facility
7. ACE inhibitor or ARB therapy for LVSD (outpatient and inpatient setting) Percentage of patients aged ≥18 y with a diagnosis of HF with a current or prior LVEF <40% who were prescribed ACE inhibitor or ARB therapy either within a 12-mo period when seen in the outpatient setting or at hospital discharge Inpatient and outpatient • Individual practitioner• Facility
8. Counseling about ICD implantation for patients with LVSD on combination medical therapy Percentage of patients aged ≥18 y with a diagnosis of HF with current LVEF ≤35% despite ACE inhibitor/ARB and beta-blocker therapy for at least 3 mo who were counseled about ICD implantation as a treatment option for the prophylaxis of sudden death Outpatient Individual practitioner
9. Postdischarge appointment for HF patients Percentage of patients, regardless of age, discharged from an inpatient facility to ambulatory care or home health care with a principal discharge diagnosis of HF for whom a follow-up appointment was scheduled and documented, including location, date, and time for a follow-up office visit or home health visit (as specified) Inpatient Facility

Measures are appealing for several reasons; by definition, they reflect the strongest guideline recommendations. When appropriately specified, they are relatively easy to calculate and they provide a clear target for improvement. However, they do not capture the broader range of care; they apply only to those patients without contraindications to therapy. Evidence of the relation between better performance with respect to process measures and patient outcomes is conflicting, and performance rates for those measures that have been used as part of public reporting programs are generally high for all institutions, limiting the ability of these measures to identify high- and low-performing centers.

These limitations of process measures have generated interest in the use of outcomes measures as a complementary approach to characterize quality. With respect to HF, 30-day mortality and 30-day readmission are reported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as part of the Hospital Compare program (Table 35) and are incorporated in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services value-based purchasing program.918 Outcomes measures are appealing because they apply universally to almost all patients, and they provide a perspective on the performance of health systems.923 On the other hand, they are limited by the questionable adequacy of risk adjustment and by the challenges of improvement. The ACCF and AHA have published criteria that characterize the necessary attributes of robust outcomes measures.924

See Online Data Supplement 44 for additional data on quality metrics and performance measures.

13. Evidence Gaps and Future Research Directions

Despite the objective evidence compiled by the writing committee on the basis of hundreds of clinical trials, there are huge gaps in our knowledge base about many fundamental aspects of HF care. Some key examples include an effective management strategy for patients with HFpEF beyond blood pressure control; a convincing method to use biomarkers in the optimization of medical therapy; the recognition and treatment of cardiorenal syndrome; and the critical need for improving patient adherence to therapeutic regimens. Even the widely embraced dictum of sodium restriction in HF is not well supported by current evidence. Moreover, the majority of the clinical trials that inform GDMT were designed around the primary endpoint of mortality, so that there is less certainty about the impact of therapies on the HRQOL of patients. It is also of major concern that the majority of RCTs failed to randomize a sufficient number of the elderly, women, and underrepresented minorities, thus, limiting insight into these important patient cohorts. A growing body of studies on patient-centered outcomes research is likely to address some of these deficiencies, but time will be required.

HF is a syndrome with a high prevalence of comorbidities and multiple chronic conditions, but most guidelines are developed for patients with a single disease. Nevertheless, the coexistence of additional diseases such as arthritis, renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, or chronic lung disease with the HF syndrome should logically require a modification of treatment, outcome assessment, or follow-up care. About 25% of Americans have multiple chronic conditions; this figure rises to 75% in those >65 years of age, including the diseases referred to above, as well as asthma, hypertension, cognitive disorders, or depression.847 Most RCTs in HF specifically excluded patients with significant other comorbidities from enrollment, thus limiting our ability to generalize our recommendations to many real-world patients. Therefore, the clinician must, as always, practice the art of using the best of the guideline recommendations as they apply to a specific patient.

Future research will need to focus on novel pharmacological therapies, especially for hospitalized HF; regenerative cell-based therapies to restore myocardium; and new device platforms that will either improve existing technologies (eg, CRT, ICD, left VAD) or introduce simpler, less morbid devices that are capable of changing the natural history of HF. What is critically needed is an evidence base that clearly identifies best processes of care, especially in the transition from hospital to home. Finally, preventing the burden of this disease through more successful risk modification, sophisticated screening, perhaps using specific omics technologies (ie, systems biology) or effective treatment interventions that reduce the progression from stage A to stage B is an urgent need.

Presidents and Staff

American College of Cardiology Foundation

John Gordon Harold, MD, MACC, President

Shalom Jacobovitz, Chief Executive Officer

William J. Oetgen, MD, MBA, FACC, Senior Vice President,  Science and Quality

Charlene L. May, Senior Director, Science and Clinical Policy

American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association

Lisa Bradfield, CAE, Director, Science and Clinical Policy

Debjani Mukherjee, MPH, Associate Director, Evidence- Based Medicine

Ezaldeen Ramadhan III, Specialist, Science and Clinical  Policy

Sarah Jackson, MPH, Specialist, Science and Clinical Policy

American Heart Association

Donna K. Arnett, PhD, MD, FAHA, President

Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer

Rose Marie Robertson, MD, FAHA, Chief Science Officer

Gayle R. Whitman, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, Senior Vice  President, Office of Science Operations

Judy Bezanson, DSN, RN, CNS-MS, FAHA, Science and  Medicine Advisor

Jody Hundley, Production Manager, Scientific Publications,  Office of Science Operations

* In the absence of contraindications to anticoagulation.

† Counseling should be specific to each individual patient and should include documentation of a discussion about the potential for sudden death and nonsudden death from HF or noncardiac conditions. Information should be provided about the efficacy, safety, and potential complications of an ICD and the potential for defibrillation to be inactivated if desired in the future, notably when a patient is approaching end of life. This will facilitate shared decision making between patients, families, and the medical care team about ICDs.30

‡ Although optimal patient selection for MCS remains an active area of investigation, general indications for referral for MCS therapy include patients with LVEF <25% and NYHA class III–IV functional status despite GDMT, including, when indicated, CRT, with either high predicted 1- to 2-year mortality (eg, as suggested by markedly reduced peak oxygen consumption and clinical prognostic scores) or dependence on continuous parenteral inotropic support. Patient selection requires a multidisciplinary team of experienced advanced HF and transplantation cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, nurses, and ideally, social workers and palliative care clinicians.

§ The "ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation" and the 2 subsequent focused updates from 20116–8 are considered policy at the time of publication of the present HF Guideline; however, a fully revised AF guideline, which will include updated recommendations on AF, is in development, with publication expected in 2013 or 2014.

Appendix 1.

Author Relationships With Industry and Other Entities (Relevant)—2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure

Committee Member Employment Consultant Speaker's Bureau Ownership/ Partnership/ Principal Personal Research Institutional, Organizational, or Other Financial Benefit Expert Witness VotingRecusals bySection*
Clyde W. Yancy, Chair Northwestern University—Chief, Division of Cardiology and Magerstadt Professor of Medicine None None None None None None None
Mariell Jessup,Vice Chair University of Pennsylvania—Professor of Medicine None None None • Amgen• Celladon• HeartWare None None 7.4.47.4.57.4.610
Biykem Bozkurt Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center—The Mary and Gordon Cain Chair and Professor of Medicine None None None None None None None
Javed Butler Emory Healthcare—Director of Heart Failure Research; Emory University School of Medicine—Professor of Medicine • Amgen• CardioMEMS• Gambro• Takeda None None None • Amgen• Biotronic• Boston Scientific• CardioMEMS• Corthera• FoldRx• iOcopsys• Johnson & Johnson• Medtronic• Thoratec• World Heart None 6.47.17.27.3.27.3.37.3.47.4.47.4.57.4.68.68.710
Donald E. Casey, Jr Clinically Integrated Physician Network, NYU Langone Medical Center—Vice President and Medical Director None None None None None None None
Mark H. Drazner University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center—Professor, Internal Medicine None None None • HeartWare• Scios/Johnson & Johnson • Medtronic• Thoratec None 7.17.27.3.27.3.47.4.47.4.57.4.68.68.710
Gregg C. Fonarow Director Ahmanson—UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center; Co-Chief—UCLA Division of Cardiology • Gambro (formerly CHF Solutions)• Medtronic• Novartis• Takeda None None • Gambro (formerly CHF Solutions)• Novartis • Medtronic None 7.17.2 (Class IIa)7.3.27.3.48.38.48.710
Stephen A. Geraci Quillen College of Medicine/East Tennessee State University—Chairman of Internal Medicine None None None None None None None
Tamara Horwich Ahmanson—UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center—Assistant Professor of Medicine, Cardiology None None None None None None None
James L. Januzzi Harvard Medical School—Associate Professor of Medicine; Massachusetts General Hospital—Director, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit • Critical Diagnostics• Roche Diagnostics None None • Critical Diagnostics• Roche Diagnostics None None 6.26.3
Maryl R. Johnson University of Wisconsin, Madison—Professor of Medicine, Director Heart Failure and Transplantation None None None None None None None
Edward K. Kasper Johns Hopkins Hospital— E. Cowles Andrus Professor in CardiologyDirector, Clinical Cardiology None None None None None None None
Wayne C. Levy University of Washington—Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology • Cardiac Dimensions• CardioMEMS• GE/Scios/ Johnson & Johnson • Amarin• Boehringer Ingelheim• GlaxoSmithKline None • Amgen• HeartWare • Amgen• Epocrates• GE Healthcare• HeartWare• Thoratec None 6.46.57.17.27.3.17.3.27.3.47.4.58.38.68.710
Frederick A. Masoudi University of Colorado, Denver—Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology None None None None None None None
Patrick E. McBride University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health—Professor of Medicine and Family Medicine, Associate Dean for Students, Associate Director, Preventive Cardiology None None None None None None None
John J.V. McMurray University of Glasgow, Scotland, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Center—Professor of Medical Cardiology None None None • GlaxoSmithKline• Novartis• Roche (DSMB) • Novartis (PARADIGM–PI) None 6.26.37.17.2 (Class I and Class III)7.3.28.38.7
Judith E. Mitchell SUNY Downstate Medical Center—Director, Heart Failure Center; Associate Professor of Medicine None None None None None None None
Pamela N. Peterson University of Colorado, Denver Health Medical Center—Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology None None None None None None None
Barbara Riegel University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing—Professor None None None None None None None
Flora Sam Boston University School of Medicine, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute—Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology/Cardiomyopathy Program None None None None None None None
Lynne W. Stevenson Brigham and Women's Hospital Cardiovascular Division—Director, Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure Program None None None • Biosense Webster None None 7.3.4
W.H. Wilson Tang Cleveland Clinic Foundation—Associate Professor of Medicine, Research Director for Heart Failure/Transplant • Medtronic• St. Jude Medical None None • Abbott• FoldRx• Johnson & Johnson• Medtronic• St. Jude Medical None None 6.26.37.17.27.3.27.3.37.3.48.68.710
Emily J. Tsai Temple University School of Medicine—Assistant Professor of Medicine, Cardiology None None None None None None None
Bruce L. Wilkoff Cleveland Clinic—Director, Cardiac Pacing and Tachyarrhythmia Devices; Director, Clinical EP Research None None None • Biotronic• Boston Scientific• Medtronic• St. Jude Medical None None 7.2 (Class IIa)7.3.410

Appendix 2.

Reviewer Relationships With Industry and Other Entities (Relevant)—2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure

Reviewer Representation Employment Consultant Speaker's Bureau Ownership/ Partnership/ Principal Personal Research Institutional, Organizational, or Other Financial Benefit Expert Witness
Nancy Albert Official Reviewer—ACCF/AHA Task Force on Practice Guidelines Kaufman Center for Heart Failure—Senior Director of Nursing Research • BG Medicine• Medtronic• Merck None None None None None
Kathleen Grady Official Reviewer—AHA Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute— Administrative Director, Center for Heart Failure None None None None None None
Paul Hauptman Official Reviewer—AHA St Louis University School of Medicine—Professor of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology • BG Medicine• BioControl Medical• Otsuka* None None None • EvaHeart None
Hector Ventura Official Reviewer—ACCF Board of Governors Ochsner Clinic Foundation— Director, Section of Cardiomyopathy and Heart Transplantation • Otsuka • Actelion None None None None
Mary Norine Walsh Official Reviewer—ACCF Board of Trustees St. Vincent Heart Center of Indiana—Medical Director • United Healthcare None None None None None
Jun Chiong Organizational Reviewer—ACCP Loma Linda University—Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine None None None None • Otsuka (DSMB) None
David DeLurgio Organizational Reviewer—HRS The Emory Clinic—Associate Professor, Director of EP Laboratory None None None None None None
Folashade Omole Organizational Reviewer—AAFP Morehouse School of Medicine—Associate Professor of Clinical Family Medicine None None None None None None
Robert Rich, Jr Organizational Reviewer—AAFP Bladen Medical Associates—Family Practice None None None None None None
David Taylor Organizational Reviewer—ISHLT Cleveland Clinic, Department of Cardiology—Professor of Medicine None None None None • Biotronix• Genentech• HeartWare• ISHLT• Novartis• St. Jude's Medical None
Kimberly Birtcher Content Reviewer—ACCF Cardiovascular Team Council University of Houston College of Pharmacy—Clinical Professor None None None None None None
Kay Blum Content Reviewer—ACCF Cardiovascular Team Council Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital Center—Nurse Practitioner None None None None None None
Michael Chan Content Reviewer— ACCF Cardiovascular Team Council Royal Alexandra Hospital—Co-Director, Heart Function Program; University of Alberta—Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine None None None None • Medtronic None
Jane Chen Content Reviewer—ACCF EP Committee Washington University School of Medicine—Assistant Professor of Medicine • Medtronic• St. Jude Medical None None None None None
Michael Clark Content Reviewer—ACCF Cardiovascular Team Council North Texas Cardiology and EP—Associate Professor None • Abbott Pharma None None None None
Marco Costa Content Reviewer—ACCF Imaging Council University Hospital for Cleveland—Professor of Medicine • Abbott Vascular• Boston Scientific• Cardiokinetix*• Medtronic• St. Jude Medical • Daiichi-Sankyo• Eli Lilly• Sanofi None None • Abbott Vascular*• Boston Scientific• Cardiokinetix• Medtronic*• St. Jude Medical None
Anita Deswal Content Reviewer Baylor College of Medicine—Associate Professor of Medicine None None None • Amgen• Novartis None None
Steven Dunn Content Reviewer—ACCF Prevention Committee University of Virginia Health System—Clinical Pharmacy Specialist None None None None None None
Andrew Epstein Content Reviewer University of Pennsylvania—Professor of Medicine • Biotronic• Boehringer Ingelheim• Medtronic• Zoll None None • Biosense Webster*• Boston Scientific*• Cameron Health* • Boston Scientific*• St. Jude Medical* None
Justin Ezekowitz Content Reviewer—AHA Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute—Director, Heart Function Clinic • Abbott Labs• AstraZeneca• Pfizer None None • Amgen• Bristol-Myers Squibb None None
Gerasimos Filippatos Content Reviewer University of Athens—Department of Cardiology None None None None • Corthera• Vifor None
Linda Gillam Content Reviewer—ACCF Imaging Council Morristown Medical Center—Professor of Cardiology None None None None • Edwards Lifesciences None
Paul Heidenreich Content Reviewer Stanford VA Palo Alto Medical Center—Assistant Professor of Medicine None None None • Medtronic None None
Paul Hess Content Reviewer—ACCF EP Committee Duke University School of Medicine—Fellow None None None None None None
Sharon Ann Hunt Content Reviewer Stanford University Medical Center—Professor, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine None None None None None None
Charles McKay Content Reviewer—ACCF Council on Cardiovascular Care for Older Adults Harbor-UCLA Medical Center—Professor of Medicine None None None None None None
James McClurken Content Reviewer—ACCF Surgeons' Scientific Council Temple University School of Medicine—Director of Cardiothoracic Perioperative Services None None None None None None
Wayne Miller Content Reviewer—ACCF Heart Failure and Transplant Council Mayo Clinic—Professor of Medicine None None None None None None
Rick Nishimura Content Reviewer Mayo Clinic—Professor of Medicine None None None None None None
Donna Petruccelli Content Reviewer—ACCF Heart Failure and Transplant Council Lehigh Valley Health Network—Heart Failure Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist,Center for Advanced Heart Failure None None None None None None
Geetha Raghuveer Content Reviewer—ACCF Board of Governors Children's Mercy Hospital—Associate Professor of Pediatrics None None None None None None
Pasala Ravichandran Content Reviewer—ACCF Surgeons' Scientific Council Oregon Health & Science University—Associate Professor None None None None None None
Michael Rich Content Reviewer—ACCF Council on Cardiovascular Care for Older Adults Washington University School of Medicine—Professor of Medicine None None None None None None
Anitra Romfh Content Reviewer—ACCF Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology Council Children's Hospital Boston—Clinical Fellow in Pediatrics None None None None None None
Andrea Russo Content Reviewer—ACCF Task Force on Appropriate Use Criteria Cooper University Hospital—Professor of Medicine • Biotronik• Boston Scientific• Cameron Health• Medtronic• St. Jude Medical None None • Cameron Health• Medtronic None None
Dipan Shah Content Reviewer—ACCF Imaging Council Methodist DeBakey Heart Center—Director None • AstraZeneca*• Lantheus Medical Imaging None None • Astellas Pharma• Siemens Medical Solutions* None
Randy Starling Content Reviewer Cleveland Clinic, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine—Vice Chairman • Novartis None None None • Biotronik• Medtronic None
Karen Stout Content Reviewer—ACCF Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology Council University of Washington—Director, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program None None None None None None
John Teerlink Content Reviewer San Francisco VA Medical Center—Professor of Medicine • Amgen*• Anexon• CardioMEMS*• Cytokinetics• Novartis*• St. Jude Medical*• Scios/Johnson & Johnson• Trevena None None None • Amgen*• Merck• Novartis* None
Robert Touchon Content Reviewer—ACCF Prevention Committee Marshall University,Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine—Professor of Medicine None None None None None None
Hiroyuki Tsutsui Content Reviewer Hokkaido University—Professor of Medicine • Daiichi-Sankyo*• Novartis*• Pfizer• Takeda* None None None None None
Robert Vincent Content Reviewer—ACCF Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology Council Emory University School of Medicine—Professor of Pediatrics None None None None • AGA None

Appendix 3.

Abbreviations

ACE = angiotensin-converting enzyme
ACS = acute coronary syndrome
AF = atrial fibrillation
ARB = angiotensin-receptor blocker
BMI = body mass index
BNP = B-type natriuretic peptide
CABG = coronary artery bypass graft
CAD = coronary artery disease
CRT = cardiac resynchronization therapy
DCM = dilated cardiomyopathy
ECG = electrocardiogram
EF = ejection fraction
GDMT = guideline-directed medical therapy
HbA1c = hemoglobin A1c
HF = heart failure
HFpEF = heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
HFrEF = heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
HRQOL = health-related quality of life
ICD = implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
LBBB = left bundle-branch block
LV = left ventricular
LVEF = left ventricular ejection fraction
MCS = mechanical circulatory support
MI = myocardial infarction
NSAIDs = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
NT-proBNP = N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide
NYHA = New York Heart Association
PUFA = polyunsaturated fatty acids
RCT = randomized controlled trial
SCD = sudden cardiac death
VAD = ventricular assist device

Footnotes

WRITING COMMITTEE MEMBERS*

ACCF/AHA TASK FORCE MEMBERS

Jeffrey L. Anderson, MD, FACC, FAHA, Chair; Alice K. Jacobs, MD, FACC, FAHA, Immediate Past Chair‡‡; Jonathan L. Halperin, MD, FACC, FAHA, Chair-Elect; Nancy M. Albert, PhD, CCNS, CCRN, FAHA; Biykem Bozkurt, MD, PhD, FACC, FAHA; Ralph G. Brindis, MD, MPH, MACC; Mark A. Creager, MD, FACC, FAHA‡‡; Lesley H. Curtis, PhD; David DeMets, PhD; Robert A. Guyton, MD, FACC; Judith S. Hochman, MD, FACC, FAHA; Richard J. Kovacs, MD, FACC, FAHA; Frederick G. Kushner, MD, FACC, FAHA‡‡; E. Magnus Ohman, MD, FACC; Susan J. Pressler, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAHA; Frank W. Sellke, MD, FACC, FAHA; Win-Kuang Shen, MD, FACC, FAHA; William G. Stevenson, MD, FACC, FAHA‡‡; Clyde W. Yancy, MD, MSc, FACC, FAHA‡‡

This document was approved by the American College of Cardiology Foundation Board of Trustees and the American Heart Association Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee in May 2013.

The online-only Data Supplement is available with this article at http://circ.ahajournals.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1161/CIR.0b013e31829e8776/-/DC1.

The online-only Comprehensive Relationships Table is available with this article at http://circ.ahajournals.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1161/CIR.0b013e31829e8776/-/DC2.

The American Heart Association requests that this document be cited as follows: Yancy CW, Jessup M, Bozkurt B, Butler J, Casey DE Jr, Drazner MH, Fonarow GC, Geraci SA, Horwich T, Januzzi JL, Johnson MR, Kasper EK, Levy WC, Masoudi FA, McBride PE, McMurray JJV, Mitchell JE, Peterson PN, Riegel B, Sam F, Stevenson LW, Tang WHW, Tsai EJ, Wilkoff BL. 2013 ACCF/AHA guideline for the management of heart failure: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2013;128:e240–e327.

This article has been copublished in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Copies: This document is available on the World Wide Web sites of the American College of Cardiology (www.cardiosource.org) and the American Heart Association (my.americanheart.org). A copy of the document is available at http://my.americanheart.org/statements by selecting either the "By Topic" link or the "By Publication Date" link. To purchase additional reprints, call 843-216-2533 or e-mail [email protected].

Expert peer review of AHA Scientific Statements is conducted by the AHA Office of Science Operations. For more on AHA statements and guidelines development, visit http://my.americanheart.org/statements and select the "Policies and Development" link.

Permissions: Multiple copies, modification, alteration, enhancement, and/or distribution of this document are not permitted without the express permission of the American Heart Association. Instructions for obtaining permission are located at http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/General/Copyright-Permission-Guidelines_UCM_300404_Article.jsp. A link to the "Copyright Permissions Request Form" appears on the right side of the page.

References

  • 1. ACCF/AHA Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Methodology Manual and Policies From the ACCF/AHA Task Force on Practice Guidelines. 2010Available at: http://assets.cardiosource.com/Methodology_Manual_for_ACC_AHA_Writing_Committees.pdf and http://my.americanheart.org/idc/groups/ahamah-public/@wcm/sop/documents/downloadable/ucm_319826.pdf. American College of Cardiology Foundation and American Heart Association. Accessed May 16, 2012.Google Scholar
  • 2. Committee on Standards for Developing Trustworthy Clinical Practice Guidelines; Institute of Medicine. Clinical practice guidelines we can trust . Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2011.Google Scholar
  • 3. Committee on Standards for Systematic Reviews of Comparative Effectiveness Research, Institute of Medicine. Finding what works in health care: standards for systematic reviews . Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2011.Google Scholar
  • 4. Tracy CM, Epstein AE, Darbar D, et al. . 2012 ACCF/AHA/HRS focused update incorporated into the ACCF/AHA/HRS 2008 guidelines for device-based therapy of cardiac rhythm abnormalities: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation . 2013; 127:e283–352.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 5. Warnes CA, Williams RG, Bashore TM, et al. . ACC/AHA 2008 guidelines for the management of adults with congenital heart disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Develop Guidelines on the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease). Circulation . 2008; 118:e714–833.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 6. Fuster V, Ryden LE, Cannom DS, et al. . 2011 ACCF/AHA/HRS focused updates incorporated into the ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines developed in partnership with the European Society of Cardiology. Circulation . 2011; 123:e269–367.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 7. Wann LS, Curtis AB, January CT, et al. . 2011 ACCF/AHA/HRS focused update on the management of patients with atrial fibrillation (updating the 2006 guideline): a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation . 2011; 123:104–23.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 8. Wann LS, Curtis AB, Ellenbogen KA, et al. . 2011 ACCF/AHA/HRS focused update on the management of patients with atrial fibrillation (update on dabigatran): a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on practice guidelines. Circulation . 2011; 123:1144–50.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 9. Greenland P, Alpert JS, Beller GA, et al. . 2010 ACCF/AHA guideline for assessment of cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation . 2010; 122:e584–636.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 10. Hillis LD, Smith PK, Anderson JL, et al. . 2011 ACCF/AHA guideline for coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation . 2011; 124:e652–735.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 11. Gersh BJ, Maron BJ, Bonow RO, et al. . 2011 ACCF/AHA guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines Developed in Collaboration With the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, Heart Failure Society of America, Heart Rhythm Society, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Circulation . 2011; 124:e783– 831.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 12. Levine GN, Bates ER, Blankenship JC, et al. . 2011 ACCF/AHA/SCAI guideline for percutaneous coronary intervention: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. Circulation . 2011; 124: e574–651.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 13. Smith SC, Benjamin EJ, Bonow RO, et al. . AHA/ACCF secondary prevention and risk reduction therapy for patients with coronary and other atherosclerotic vascular disease: 2011 update: a guideline from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology Foundation. Circulation . 2011; 124: 2458–73.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 14. Fihn SD, Gardin JM, Abrams J, et al. . 2012 ACCF/AHA/ACP/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS guideline for the diagnosis and management of patients with stable ischemic heart disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines, and the American College of Physicians, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Circulation . 2012; 126:e354–471.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 15. O'Gara PT, Kushner FG, Ascheim DD, et al. . 2013 ACCF/AHA guideline for the management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation . 2013; 127:529–55.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 16. Anderson J, Adams C, Antman E, et al. . 2012 ACCF/AHA focused update incorporated into the ACCF/AHA 2007 guidelines for the management of patients with unstable angina/non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation . 2013; 127:e663–828.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 17. Bonow RO, Carabello BA, Chatterjee K, et al. . 2008 Focused update incorporated into the ACC/AHA 2006 guidelines for the management of patients with valvular heart disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to revise the 1998 guidelines for the management of patients with valvular heart disease). Circulation . 2008; 118:e523–661.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 18. Lindenfeld J, Albert NM, Boehmer JP, et al. . HFSA 2010 comprehensive heart failure practice guideline. J Card Fail . 2010; 16:e1–194.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 19. McMurray JJ, Adamopoulos S, Anker SD, et al. . ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure 2012: the Task Force for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure 2012 of the European Society of Cardiology. Eur Heart J . 2012; 33:1787–847.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 20. National Collaborating Centre for Acute and Chronic Conditions. Chronic heart failure: management of chronic heart failure in adults in primary and secondary care (NICE clinical guideline 108).Available at: http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/13099/50517/50517.pdf. Accessed March 11, 2013.Google Scholar
  • 21. Guyatt GH, Akl EA, Crowther M, et al. . Executive summary: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest . 2012; 141:7S–47S.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 22. Costanzo MR, Dipchand A, Starling R, et al. . The International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation guidelines for the care of heart transplant recipients. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2010; 29:914–56.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 23. Maron BJ, Towbin JA, Thiene G, et al. . Contemporary definitions and classification of the cardiomyopathies: an American Heart Association Scientific Statement from the Council on Clinical Cardiology, Heart Failure and Transplantation Committee; Quality of Care and Outcomes Research and Functional Genomics and Translational Biology Interdisciplinary Working Groups; and Council on Epidemiology and Prevention. Circulation . 2006; 113:1807–16.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 24. Ashley EA, Hershberger RE, Caleshu C, et al. . Genetics and cardiovascular disease: a policy statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation . 2012; 126:142–57.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 25. Patel MR, White RD, Abbara S, et al. . 2013 ACCF/ACR/ASE/ASNC/SCCT/SCMR appropriate utilization of cardiovascular imaging in heart failure: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation Appropriate Use Criteria Task Force. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2013; 61:2207–2231.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 26. Patel MR, Dehmer GJ, Hirshfeld JW, et al. . ACCF/SCAI/STS/AATS/AHA/ASNC/HFSA/SCCT 2012 appropriate use criteria for coronary revascularization focused update: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation Appropriate Use Criteria Task Force, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American Heart Association, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, and the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2012; 59:857–81.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 27. Chobanian AV, Bakris GL, Black HR, et al. . Seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. Hypertension . 2003; 42:1206–52.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 28. Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) final report. Circulation . 2002; 106:3143–421.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 29. Balady GJ, Ades PA, Bittner VA, et al. . Referral, enrollment, and delivery of cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention programs at clinical centers and beyond: a presidential advisory from the American Heart Association. Circulation . 2011; 124:2951–60.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 30. Allen LA, Stevenson LW, Grady KL, et al. . Decision making in advanced heart failure: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation . 2012; 125:1928–52.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 31. Peura JL, Colvin-Adams M, Francis GS, et al. . Recommendations for the use of mechanical circulatory support: device strategies and patient selection: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation . 2012; 126:2648–67.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 32. Metra M, Ponikowski P, Dickstein K, et al. . Advanced chronic heart failure: a position statement from the Study Group on Advanced Heart Failure of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology. Eur J Heart Fail . 2007; 9:684–94.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 33. Furie KL, Goldstein LB, Albers GW, et al. . Oral antithrombotic agents for the prevention of stroke in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: a science advisory for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke . 2012; 43:3442–3453. Errata in: Stroke. 2013;44:e20 and Stroke. 2012;43:e181.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 34. Thygesen K, Alpert JS, Jaffe AS, et al. . Third universal definition of myocardial infarction. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2012; 60:1581–98.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 35. Fonarow GC, Stough WG, Abraham WT, et al. . Characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of patients with preserved systolic function hospitalized for heart failure: a report from the OPTIMIZE-HF Registry. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2007; 50:768–77.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 36. Cleland JG, Torabi A, Khan NK. Epidemiology and management of heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction in the aftermath of a myocardial infarction. Heart . 2005; 91Suppl 2:ii7–13.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 37. Kannel WB. Incidence and epidemiology of heart failure. Heart Fail Rev . 2000; 5:167–73.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 38. Hunt SA, Abraham WT, Chin MH, et al. . 2009 Focused update incorporated into the ACC/AHA 2005 guidelines for the diagnosis and management of heart failure in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation . 2009; 119:e391–479.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 39. Kane GC, Karon BL, Mahoney DW, et al. . Progression of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and risk of heart failure. JAMA . 2011; 306:856–63.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 40. Owan TE, Hodge DO, Herges RM, et al. . Trends in prevalence and outcome of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. N Engl J Med . 2006; 355:251–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 41. Vasan RS, Levy D. Defining diastolic heart failure: a call for standardized diagnostic criteria. Circulation . 2000; 101:2118–21.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 42. Steinberg BA, Zhao X, Heidenreich PA, et al. . Trends in patients hospitalized with heart failure and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction: prevalence, therapies, and outcomes. Circulation . 2012; 126:65–75.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 43. Lee DS, Gona P, Vasan RS, et al. . Relation of disease pathogenesis and risk factors to heart failure with preserved or reduced ejection fraction: insights from the Framingham Heart Study of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Circulation . 2009; 119:3070–7.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 44. Bhuiyan T, Maurer MS. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: persistent diagnosis, therapeutic enigma. Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep . 2011; 5:440–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 45. Punnoose LR, Givertz MM, Lewis EF, et al. . Heart failure with recovered ejection fraction: a distinct clinical entity. J Card Fail . 2011; 17:527–32.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 46. The Criteria Committee of the New York Heart Association. Nomenclature and criteria for diagnosis of diseases of the heart and great vessels, 9th edition . Boston, Mass: Little & Brown; 1994.Google Scholar
  • 47. Ammar KA, Jacobsen SJ, Mahoney DW, et al. . Prevalence and prognostic significance of heart failure stages: application of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association heart failure staging criteria in the community. Circulation . 2007; 115:1563–70.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 48. Goldman L, Hashimoto B, Cook EF, et al. . Comparative reproducibility and validity of systems for assessing cardiovascular functional class: advantages of a new specific activity scale. Circulation . 1981; 64:1227–34.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 49. Madsen BK, Hansen JF, Stokholm KH, et al. . Chronic congestive heart failure: description and survival of 190 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of chronic congestive heart failure based on clinical signs and symptoms. Eur Heart J . 1994; 15:303–10.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 50. Djousse L, Driver JA, Gaziano JM. Relation between modifiable lifestyle factors and lifetime risk of heart failure. JAMA . 2009; 302:394–400.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 51. Go AS, Mozaffarian D, Roger VL, et al. . Heart disease and stroke statistics–2013 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation . 2013; 127:e6–245.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 52. Curtis LH, Whellan DJ, Hammill BG, et al. . Incidence and prevalence of heart failure in elderly persons, 1994–2003. Arch Intern Med . 2008; 168:418–24.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 53. Roger VL, Weston SA, Redfield MM, et al. . Trends in heart failure incidence and survival in a community-based population. JAMA . 2004; 292:344–50.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 54. Owan TE, Redfield MM. Epidemiology of diastolic heart failure. Prog Cardiovasc Dis . 2005; 47:320–32.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 55. The Booming Dynamics of Aging: From Awareness to Action. The White House Conference on Aging. Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2011.Google Scholar
  • 56. Bahrami H, Kronmal R, Bluemke DA, et al. . Differences in the incidence of congestive heart failure by ethnicity: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Arch Intern Med . 2008; 168:2138–45.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 57. Lloyd-Jones DM, Larson MG, Leip EP, et al. . Lifetime risk for developing congestive heart failure: the Framingham Heart Study. Circulation . 2002; 106:3068–72.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 58. Loehr LR, Rosamond WD, Chang PP, et al. . Heart failure incidence and survival (from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study). Am J Cardiol . 2008; 101:1016–22.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 59. Levy D, Kenchaiah S, Larson MG, et al. . Long-term trends in the incidence of and survival with heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2002; 347:1397–402.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 60. Bueno H, Ross JS, Wang Y, et al. . Trends in length of stay and short-term outcomes among Medicare patients hospitalized for heart failure, 1993–2006. JAMA . 2010; 303:2141–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 61. Krumholz HM, Merrill AR, Schone EM, et al. . Patterns of hospital performance in acute myocardial infarction and heart failure 30-day mortality and readmission. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes . 2009; 2:407–13.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 62. McDonagh TA, Morrison CE, Lawrence A, et al. . Symptomatic and asymptomatic left-ventricular systolic dysfunction in an urban population. Lancet . 1997; 350:829–33.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 63. Mosterd A, Hoes AW, de Bruyne MC, et al. . Prevalence of heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction in the general population: the Rotterdam Study. Eur Heart J . 1999; 20:447–55.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 64. Redfield MM, Jacobsen SJ, Burnett JC, et al. . Burden of systolic and diastolic ventricular dysfunction in the community: appreciating the scope of the heart failure epidemic. JAMA . 2003; 289:194–202.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 65. Jong P, Yusuf S, Rousseau MF, et al. . Effect of enalapril on 12-year survival and life expectancy in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a follow-up study. Lancet . 2003; 361:1843–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 66. Heo S, Doering LV, Widener J, et al. . Predictors and effect of physical symptom status on health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure. Am J Crit Care . 2008; 17:124–32.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 67. Lesman-Leegte I, Jaarsma T, Coyne JC, et al. . Quality of life and depressive symptoms in the elderly: a comparison between patients with heart failure and age- and gender-matched community controls. J Card Fail . 2009; 15:17–23.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 68. Moser DK, Yamokoski L, Sun JL, et al. . Improvement in health-related quality of life after hospitalization predicts event-free survival in patients with advanced heart failure. J Card Fail . 2009; 15:763–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 69. Rodriguez-Artalejo F, Guallar-Castillon P, Pascual CR, et al. . Health-related quality of life as a predictor of hospital readmission and death among patients with heart failure. Arch Intern Med . 2005; 165:1274–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 70. Heo S, Moser DK, Widener J. Gender differences in the effects of physical and emotional symptoms on health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs . 2007; 6:146–52.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 71. Riegel B, Moser DK, Rayens MK, et al. . Ethnic differences in quality of life in persons with heart failure. J Card Fail . 2008; 14:41–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 72. Bosworth HB, Steinhauser KE, Orr M, et al. . Congestive heart failure patients' perceptions of quality of life: the integration of physical and psychosocial factors. Aging Ment Health . 2004; 8:83–91.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 73. Carmona-Bernal C, Ruiz-Garcia A, Villa-Gil M, et al. . Quality of life in patients with congestive heart failure and central sleep apnea. Sleep Med . 2008; 9:646–51.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 74. Lewis EF, Lamas GA, O'Meara E, et al. . Characterization of health-related quality of life in heart failure patients with preserved versus low ejection fraction in CHARM. Eur J Heart Fail . 2007; 9:83–91.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 75. Masoudi FA, Rumsfeld JS, Havranek EP, et al. . Age, functional capacity, and health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure. J Card Fail . 2004; 10:368–73.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 76. Pressler SJ, Subramanian U, Kareken D, et al. . Cognitive deficits and health-related quality of life in chronic heart failure. J Cardiovasc Nurs . 2010; 25:189–98.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 77. Majani G, Giardini A, Opasich C, et al. . Effect of valsartan on quality of life when added to usual therapy for heart failure: results from the Valsartan Heart Failure Trial. J Card Fail . 2005; 11:253–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 78. Cleland JG, Daubert JC, Erdmann E, et al. . The effect of cardiac resynchronization on morbidity and mortality in heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2005; 352:1539–49.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 79. Harrison MB, Browne GB, Roberts J, et al. . Quality of life of individuals with heart failure: a randomized trial of the effectiveness of two models of hospital-to-home transition. Med Care . 2002; 40:271–82.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 80. Inglis SC, Clark RA, McAlister FA, et al. . Structured telephone support or telemonitoring programmes for patients with chronic heart failure. Cochrane Database Syst Rev . 2010;(8): CD007228.CrossrefGoogle Scholar
  • 81. Johansson P, Dahlstrom U, Brostrom A. Factors and interventions influencing health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure: a review of the literature. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs . 2006; 5:5–15.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 82. McAlister FA, Stewart S, Ferrua S, et al. . Multidisciplinary strategies for the management of heart failure patients at high risk for admission: a systematic review of randomized trials. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2004; 44:810–9.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 83. Ditewig JB, Blok H, Havers J, et al. . Effectiveness of self-management interventions on mortality, hospital readmissions, chronic heart failure hospitalization rate and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure: a systematic review. Patient Educ Couns . 2010; 78:297–315.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 84. Jovicic A, Holroyd-Leduc JM, Straus SE. Effects of self-management intervention on health outcomes of patients with heart failure: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. BMC Cardiovasc Disord . 2006; 6:43.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 85. Chien CL, Lee CM, Wu YW, et al. . Home-based exercise increases exercise capacity but not quality of life in people with chronic heart failure: a systematic review. Aust J Physiother . 2008; 54:87–93.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 86. Karapolat H, Demir E, Bozkaya YT, et al. . Comparison of hospital-based versus home-based exercise training in patients with heart failure: effects on functional capacity, quality of life, psychological symptoms, and hemodynamic parameters. Clin Res Cardiol . 2009; 98:635–42.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 87. Heidenreich PA, Trogdon JG, Khavjou OA, et al. . Forecasting the future of cardiovascular disease in the United States: a policy statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation . 2011; 123:933–44.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 88. Titler MG, Jensen GA, Dochterman JM, et al. . Cost of hospital care for older adults with heart failure: medical, pharmaceutical, and nursing costs. Health Serv Res . 2008; 43:635–55.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 89. Wang G, Zhang Z, Ayala C, et al. . Costs of heart failure-related hospitalizations in patients aged 18 to 64 years. Am J Manag Care . 2010; 16:769–76.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 90. American Diabetes Association.Standards of medical care in diabetes–2012. Diabetes Care . 2012; 35Suppl 1:S11–63.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 91. Levy D, Larson MG, Vasan RS, et al. . The progression from hypertension to congestive heart failure. JAMA . 1996; 275:1557–62.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 92. Wilhelmsen L, Rosengren A, Eriksson H, et al. . Heart failure in the general population of men: morbidity, risk factors and prognosis. J Intern Med . 2001; 249:253–61.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 93. Effects of treatment on morbidity in hypertension, II: results in patients with diastolic blood pressure averaging 90 through 114 mm Hg. JAMA . 1970; 213:1143–52.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 94. Kostis JB, Davis BR, Cutler J, et al. . Prevention of heart failure by antihypertensive drug treatment in older persons with isolated systolic hypertension: SHEP Cooperative Research Group. JAMA . 1997; 278:212–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 95. Izzo JL, Gradman AH. Mechanisms and management of hypertensive heart disease: from left ventricular hypertrophy to heart failure. Med Clin North Am . 2004; 88:1257–71.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 96. Baker DW. Prevention of heart failure. J Card Fail . 2002; 8:333–46.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 97. Vasan RS, Beiser A, Seshadri S, et al. . Residual lifetime risk for developing hypertension in middle-aged women and men: the Framingham Heart Study. JAMA . 2002; 287:1003–10.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 98. Taegtmeyer H, McNulty P, Young ME. Adaptation and maladaptation of the heart in diabetes: part I: general concepts. Circulation . 2002; 105:1727–33.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 99. Kenchaiah S, Evans JC, Levy D, et al. . Obesity and the risk of heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2002; 347:305–13.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 100. He J, Ogden LG, Bazzano LA, et al. . Risk factors for congestive heart failure in US men and women: NHANES I epidemiologic follow-up study. Arch Intern Med . 2001; 161:996–1002.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 101. Krumholz HM, Chen YT, Wang Y, et al. . Predictors of readmission among elderly survivors of admission with heart failure. Am Heart J . 2000; 139:72–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 102. Shindler DM, Kostis JB, Yusuf S, et al. . Diabetes mellitus, a predictor of morbidity and mortality in the Studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction (SOLVD) Trials and Registry. Am J Cardiol . 1996; 77:1017–20.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 103. Kereiakes DJ, Willerson JT. Metabolic syndrome epidemic. Circulation . 2003; 108:1552–3.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 104. Grundy SM, Cleeman JI, Merz CN, et al. . Implications of recent clinical trials for the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2004; 44:720–32.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 105. Richardson P, McKenna W, Bristow M, et al. . Report of the 1995 World Health Organization/International Society and Federation of Cardiology Task Force on the Definition and Classification of Cardiomyopathies. Circulation . 1996; 93:841–2.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 106. Manolio TA, Baughman KL, Rodeheffer R, et al. . Prevalence and etiology of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (summary of a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute workshop). Am J Cardiol . 1992; 69:1458–66.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 107. Adams KF, Fonarow GC, Emerman CL, et al. . Characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized for heart failure in the United States: rationale, design, and preliminary observations from the first 100,000 cases in the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry (ADHERE). Am Heart J . 2005; 149:209–16.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 108. Cohn JN, Tognoni G. A randomized trial of the angiotensin-receptor blocker valsartan in chronic heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2001; 345:1667–75.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 109. Ghali JK, Pina IL, Gottlieb SS, et al. . Metoprolol CR/XL in female patients with heart failure: analysis of the experience in Metoprolol Extended-Release Randomized Intervention Trial in Heart Failure (MERIT-HF). Circulation . 2002; 105:1585–91.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 110. Dries DL, Exner DV, Gersh BJ, et al. . Racial differences in the outcome of left ventricular dysfunction. N Engl J Med . 1999; 340:609–16.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 111. Nieminen MS, Harjola VP, Hochadel M, et al. . Gender related differences in patients presenting with acute heart failure: results from EuroHeart Failure Survey II. Eur J Heart Fail . 2008; 10:140–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 112. Dec GW, Fuster V. Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med . 1994; 331:1564–75.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 113. McNamara DM, Starling RC, Cooper LT, et al. . Clinical and demographic predictors of outcomes in recent onset dilated cardiomyopathy: results of the IMAC (Intervention in Myocarditis and Acute Cardiomyopathy)-2 study. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2011; 58:1112–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 114. Ehlert FA, Cannom DS, Renfroe EG, et al. . Comparison of dilated cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease in patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias: differences in presentation and outcome in the AVID registry. Am Heart J . 2001; 142:816–22.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 115. Abraham WT, Young JB, Leon AR, et al. . Effects of cardiac resynchronization on disease progression in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, an indication for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, and mildly symptomatic chronic heart failure. Circulation . 2004; 110:2864–8.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 116. Bristow MR, Saxon LA, Boehmer J, et al. . Cardiac-resynchronization therapy with or without an implantable defibrillator in advanced chronic heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2004; 350:2140–50.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 117. CBIS II Authors. The Cardiac Insufficiency Bisoprolol Study II (CIBIS-II): a randomised trial. Lancet . 1999; 353:9–13.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 118. Hershberger RE, Siegfried JD. Update 2011: clinical and genetic issues in familial dilated cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2011; 57:1641–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 119. Petretta M, Pirozzi F, Sasso L, et al. . Review and metaanalysis of the frequency of familial dilated cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol . 2011; 108:1171–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 120. Judge DP, Rouf R. Use of genetics in the clinical evaluation and management of heart failure. Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med . 2010; 12:566–77.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 121. Hershberger RE, Lindenfeld J, Mestroni L, et al. . Genetic evaluation of cardiomyopathy: a Heart Failure Society of America practice guideline. J Card Fail . 2009; 15:83–97.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 122. Charron P, Arad M, Arbustini E, et al. . Genetic counselling and testing in cardiomyopathies: a position statement of the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Myocardial and Pericardial Diseases. Eur Heart J . 2010; 31:2715–26.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 123. Ackerman MJ, Priori SG, Willems S, et al. . HRS/EHRA expert consensus statement on the state of genetic testing for the channelopathies and cardiomyopathies: this document was developed as a partnership between the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA). Europace . 2011; 13:1077–109.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 124. Alpert MA. Obesity cardiomyopathy: pathophysiology and evolution of the clinical syndrome. Am J Med Sci . 2001; 321:225–36.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 125. Marfella R, Di Filippo C, Portoghese M, et al. . Myocardial lipid accumulation in patients with pressure-overloaded heart and metabolic syndrome. J Lipid Res . 2009; 50:2314–23.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 126. Schulze PC. Myocardial lipid accumulation and lipotoxicity in heart failure. J Lipid Res . 2009; 50:2137–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 127. Aguilar D, Bozkurt B, Ramasubbu K, et al. . Relationship of hemoglobin A1C and mortality in heart failure patients with diabetes. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2009; 54:422–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 128. Eurich DT, McAlister FA, Blackburn DF, et al. . Benefits and harms of antidiabetic agents in patients with diabetes and heart failure: systematic review. BMJ . 2007; 335:497.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 129. Aguilar D, Bozkurt B, Pritchett A, et al. . The impact of thiazolidinedione use on outcomes in ambulatory patients with diabetes mellitus and heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2007; 50:32–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 130. Masoudi FA, Inzucchi SE, Wang Y, et al. . Thiazolidinediones, metformin, and outcomes in older patients with diabetes and heart failure: an observational study. Circulation . 2005; 111:583–90.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 131. Misbin RI, Green L, Stadel BV, et al. . Lactic acidosis in patients with diabetes treated with metformin. N Engl J Med . 1998; 338:265–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 132. Nesto RW, Bell D, Bonow RO, et al. . Thiazolidinedione use, fluid retention, and congestive heart failure: a consensus statement from the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association. Circulation . 2003; 108:2941–8.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 133. Klein I, Ojamaa K. Thyroid hormone and the cardiovascular system. N Engl J Med . 2001; 344:501–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 134. Lee RT, Plappert M, Sutton MG. Depressed left ventricular systolic ejection force in hypothyroidism. Am J Cardiol . 1990; 65:526–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 135. Colao A, Marzullo P, Di Somma C, et al. . Growth hormone and the heart. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) . 2001; 54:137–54.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 136. Piano MR. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy: incidence, clinical characteristics, and pathophysiology. Chest . 2002; 121:1638–50.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 137. Cerqueira MD, Harp GD, Ritchie JL, et al. . Rarity of preclinical alcoholic cardiomyopathy in chronic alcoholics less than 40 years of age. Am J Cardiol . 1991; 67:183–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 138. Faris RF, Henein MY, Coats AJ. Influence of gender and reported alcohol intake on mortality in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Heart Dis . 2003; 5:89–94.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 139. Abramson JL, Williams SA, Krumholz HM, et al. . Moderate alcohol consumption and risk of heart failure among older persons. JAMA . 2001; 285:1971–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 140. Walsh CR, Larson MG, Evans JC, et al. . Alcohol consumption and risk for congestive heart failure in the Framingham Heart Study. Ann Intern Med . 2002; 136:181–91.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 141. Pavan D, Nicolosi GL, Lestuzzi C, et al. . Normalization of variables of left ventricular function in patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy after cessation of excessive alcohol intake: an echocardiographic study. Eur Heart J . 1987; 8:535–40.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 142. Bertolet BD, Freund G, Martin CA, et al. . Unrecognized left ventricular dysfunction in an apparently healthy cocaine abuse population. Clin Cardiol . 1990; 13:323–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 143. Chakko S, Myerburg RJ. Cardiac complications of cocaine abuse. Clin Cardiol . 1995; 18:67–72.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 144. Moliterno DJ, Willard JE, Lange RA, et al. . Coronary-artery vasoconstriction induced by cocaine, cigarette smoking, or both. N Engl J Med . 1994; 330:454–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 145. McCord J, Jneid H, Hollander JE, et al. . Management of cocaine-associated chest pain and myocardial infarction: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association Acute Cardiac Care Committee of the Council on Clinical Cardiology. Circulation . 2008; 117:1897–907.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 146. Marty M, Espie M, Llombart A, et al. . Multicenter randomized phase III study of the cardioprotective effect of dexrazoxane (Cardioxane) in advanced/metastatic breast cancer patients treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Ann Oncol . 2006; 17:614–22.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 147. van Dalen EC, Caron HN, Dickinson HO, et al. . Cardioprotective interventions for cancer patients receiving anthracyclines. Cochrane Database Syst Rev . 2008;(2): CD003917.CrossrefGoogle Scholar
  • 148. Bovelli D, Plataniotis G, Roila F. Cardiotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy-related heart disease: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines. Ann Oncol . 2010; 21Suppl 5:v277–82.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 149. Martin M, Esteva FJ, Alba E, et al. . Minimizing cardiotoxicity while optimizing treatment efficacy with trastuzumab: review and expert recommendations. Oncologist . 2009; 14:1–11.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 150. Figueredo VM. Chemical cardiomyopathies: the negative effects of medications and nonprescribed drugs on the heart. Am J Med . 2011; 124:480–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 151. Dunnick JK, Kissling G, Gerken DK, et al. . Cardiotoxicity of Ma Huang/caffeine or ephedrine/caffeine in a rodent model system. Toxicol Pathol . 2007; 35:657–64.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 152. Djoenaidi W, Notermans SL, Dunda G. Beriberi cardiomyopathy. Eur J Clin Nutr . 1992; 46:227–34.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 153. Retter AS. Carnitine and its role in cardiovascular disease. Heart Dis . 1999; 1:108–13.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 154. Khasnis A, Jongnarangsin K, Abela G, et al. . Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy: a review of literature. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol . 2005; 28:710–21.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 155. Wilkoff BL, Cook JR, Epstein AE, et al. . Dual-chamber pacing or ventricular backup pacing in patients with an implantable defibrillator: the Dual Chamber and VVI Implantable Defibrillator (DAVID) Trial. JAMA . 2002; 288:3115–23.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 156. Wilkoff BL, Kudenchuk PJ, Buxton AE, et al. . The DAVID (Dual Chamber and VVI Implantable Defibrillator) II trial. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2009; 53:872–80.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 157. Kindermann I, Barth C, Mahfoud F, et al. . Update on myocarditis. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2012; 59:779–92.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 158. McCarthy RE, Boehmer JP, Hruban RH, et al. . Long-term outcome of fulminant myocarditis as compared with acute (nonfulminant) myocarditis. N Engl J Med . 2000; 342:690–5.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 159. Elliott P, Andersson B, Arbustini E, et al. . Classification of the cardiomyopathies: a position statement from the European Society Of Cardiology Working Group on Myocardial and Pericardial Diseases. Eur Heart J . 2008; 29:270–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 160. Frustaci A, Russo MA, Chimenti C. Randomized study on the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with virus-negative inflammatory cardiomyopathy: the TIMIC study. Eur Heart J . 2009; 30:1995–2002.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 161. Cooper LT, Berry GJ, Shabetai R. Idiopathic giant-cell myocarditis: natural history and treatment: Multicenter Giant Cell Myocarditis Study Group Investigators. N Engl J Med . 1997; 336:1860–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 162. Cooper LT, Hare JM, Tazelaar HD, et al. . Usefulness of immunosuppression for giant cell myocarditis. Am J Cardiol . 2008; 102:1535–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 163. Kaul S, Fishbein MC, Siegel RJ. Cardiac manifestations of acquired immune deficiency syndrome: a 1991 update. Am Heart J . 1991; 122:535–44.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 164. Grody WW, Cheng L, Lewis W. Infection of the heart by the human immunodeficiency virus. Am J Cardiol . 1990; 66:203–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 165. Raidel SM, Haase C, Jansen NR, et al. . Targeted myocardial transgenic expression of HIV Tat causes cardiomyopathy and mitochondrial damage. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol . 2002; 282:H1672–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 166. Barbaro G, Di Lorenzo G, Grisorio B, et al. . Incidence of dilated cardiomyopathy and detection of HIV in myocardial cells of HIV-positive patients: Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio Cardiologico dei Pazienti Affetti da AIDS. N Engl J Med . 1998; 339:1093–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 167. Rossi MA, Bestetti RB. The challenge of chagasic cardiomyopathy: the pathologic roles of autonomic abnormalities, autoimmune mechanisms and microvascular changes, and therapeutic implications. Cardiology . 1995; 86:1–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 168. Kounis GN, Soufras GD, Kouni SA, et al. . Hypersensitivity myocarditis and hypersensitivity coronary syndrome (Kounis syndrome). Am J Emerg Med . 2009; 27:506–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 169. Leyngold I, Baughman K, Kasper E, et al. . Comparison of survival among patients with connective tissue disease and cardiomyopathy (systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and undifferentiated disease). Am J Cardiol . 2007; 100:513–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 170. Paradiso M, Gabrielli F, Masala C, et al. . Evaluation of myocardial involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus by signal-averaged electrocardiography and echocardiography. Acta Cardiol . 2001; 56:381–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 171. Kazzam E, Caidahl K, Hallgren R, et al. . Non-invasive assessment of systolic left ventricular function in systemic sclerosis. Eur Heart J . 1991; 12:151–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 172. Goldenberg J, Ferraz MB, Pessoa AP, et al. . Symptomatic cardiac involvement in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Int J Cardiol . 1992; 34:57–62.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 173. Gasparyan AY, Cocco G, Pandolfi S. Cardiac complications in rheumatoid arthritis in the absence of occlusive coronary pathology. Rheumatol Int . 2012; 32:461–4.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 174. Elkayam U, Tummala PP, Rao K, et al. . Maternal and fetal outcomes of subsequent pregnancies in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med . 2001; 344:1567–71.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 175. O'Connell JB, Costanzo-Nordin MR, Subramanian R, et al. . Peripartum cardiomyopathy: clinical, hemodynamic, histologic and prognostic characteristics. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1986; 8:52–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 176. Murphy CJ, Oudit GY. Iron-overload cardiomyopathy: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. J Card Fail . 2010; 16:888–900.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 177. Wojcik JP, Speechley MR, Kertesz AE, et al. . Natural history of C282Y homozygotes for hemochromatosis. Can J Gastroenterol . 2002; 16:297–302.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 178. Gujja P, Rosing DR, Tripodi DJ, et al. . Iron overload cardiomyopathy: better understanding of an increasing disorder. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2010; 56:1001–12.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 179. Ronsyn M, Shivalkar B, Vrints CJ. Cardiac amyloidosis in full glory. Heart . 2011; 97:720.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 180. Dietrich S, Schonland SO, Benner A, et al. . Treatment with intravenous melphalan and dexamethasone is not able to overcome the poor prognosis of patients with newly diagnosed systemic light chain amyloidosis and severe cardiac involvement. Blood . 2010; 116:522–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 181. Palladini G, Barassi A, Klersy C, et al. . The combination of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) at presentation and changes in N-terminal natriuretic peptide type B (NT-proBNP) after chemotherapy best predicts survival in AL amyloidosis. Blood . 2010; 116:3426–30.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 182. Jacobson D, Tagoe C, Schwartzbard A, et al. . Relation of clinical, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic features of cardiac amyloidosis to the presence of the transthyretin V122I allele in older African-American men. Am J Cardiol . 2011; 108:440–4.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 183. Srichai MB, Addrizzo-Harris DJ, Friedman K. Cardiac sarcoidosis. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2011; 58:438.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 184. Dubrey SW, Falk RH. Diagnosis and management of cardiac sarcoidosis. Prog Cardiovasc Dis . 2010; 52:336–46.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 185. Kron J, Sauer W, Schuller J, et al. . Efficacy and safety of implantable cardiac defibrillators for treatment of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis. Europace . 2013; 15:347–54.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 186. Sharkey SW, Windenburg DC, Lesser JR, et al. . Natural history and expansive clinical profile of stress (tako-tsubo) cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2010; 55:333–41.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 187. Butman SM, Ewy GA, Standen JR, et al. . Bedside cardiovascular examination in patients with severe chronic heart failure: importance of rest or inducible jugular venous distension. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1993; 22:968–74.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 188. Drazner MH, Rame JE, Stevenson LW, et al. . Prognostic importance of elevated jugular venous pressure and a third heart sound in patients with heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2001; 345:574–81.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 189. Drazner MH, Hellkamp AS, Leier CV, et al. . Value of clinician assessment of hemodynamics in advanced heart failure: the ESCAPE trial. Circ Heart Fail . 2008; 1:170–7.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 190. Stevenson LW, Perloff JK. The limited reliability of physical signs for estimating hemodynamics in chronic heart failure. JAMA . 1989; 261:884–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 191. Anker SD, Ponikowski P, Varney S, et al. . Wasting as independent risk factor for mortality in chronic heart failure. Lancet . 1997; 349:1050–3.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 192. Mishkin JD, Saxonhouse SJ, Woo GW, et al. . Appropriate evaluation and treatment of heart failure patients after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharge: time to go beyond the initial shock. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2009; 54:1993–2000.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 193. Kasai T, Bradley TD. Obstructive sleep apnea and heart failure: pathophysiologic and therapeutic implications. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2011; 57:119–27.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 194. Setoguchi S, Stevenson LW, Schneeweiss S. Repeated hospitalizations predict mortality in the community population with heart failure. Am Heart J . 2007; 154:260–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 195. Fonarow GC, Abraham WT, Albert NM, et al. . Influence of beta-blocker continuation or withdrawal on outcomes in patients hospitalized with heart failure: findings from the OPTIMIZE-HF program. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2008; 52:190–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 196. Kittleson M, Hurwitz S, Shah MR, et al. . Development of circulatory-renal limitations to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors identifies patients with severe heart failure and early mortality. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2003; 41:2029–35.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 197. Felker GM, Cuculich PS, Gheorghiade M. The Valsalva maneuver: a bedside "biomarker" for heart failure. Am J Med . 2006; 119:117–22.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 198. Leier CV, Young JB, Levine TB, et al. . Nuggets, pearls, and vignettes of master heart failure clinicians: part 2: the physical examination. Congest Heart Fail . 2001; 7:297–308.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 199. Aaronson KD, Schwartz JS, Chen TM, et al. . Development and prospective validation of a clinical index to predict survival in ambulatory patients referred for cardiac transplant evaluation. Circulation . 1997; 95:2660–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 200. Fonarow GC, Adams KF, Abraham WT, et al. . Risk stratification for in-hospital mortality in acutely decompensated heart failure: classification and regression tree analysis. JAMA . 2005; 293:572–80.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 201. Komajda M, Carson PE, Hetzel S, et al. . Factors associated with outcome in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: findings from the Irbesartan in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Study (I-PRESERVE). Circ Heart Fail . 2011; 4:27–35.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 202. Lee DS, Austin PC, Rouleau JL, et al. . Predicting mortality among patients hospitalized for heart failure: derivation and validation of a clinical model. JAMA . 2003; 290:2581–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 203. Levy WC, Mozaffarian D, Linker DT, et al. . The Seattle Heart Failure Model: prediction of survival in heart failure. Circulation . 2006; 113:1424–33.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 204. O'Connor CM, Abraham WT, Albert NM, et al. . Predictors of mortality after discharge in patients hospitalized with heart failure: an analysis from the Organized Program to Initiate Lifesaving Treatment in Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure (OPTIMIZE-HF). Am Heart J . 2008; 156:662–73.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 205. Peterson PN, Rumsfeld JS, Liang L, et al. . A validated risk score for in-hospital mortality in patients with heart failure from the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines program. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes . 2010; 3:25–32.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 206. Pocock SJ, Wang D, Pfeffer MA, et al. . Predictors of mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic heart failure. Eur Heart J . 2006; 27:65–75.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 207. Wedel H, McMurray JJ, Lindberg M, et al. . Predictors of fatal and non-fatal outcomes in the Controlled Rosuvastatin Multinational Trial in Heart Failure (CORONA): incremental value of apolipoprotein A-1, high-sensitivity C-reactive peptide and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide. Eur J Heart Fail . 2009; 11:281–91.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 208. Lucas C, Johnson W, Hamilton MA, et al. . Freedom from congestion predicts good survival despite previous class IV symptoms of heart failure. Am Heart J . 2000; 140:840–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 209. Amarasingham R, Moore BJ, Tabak YP, et al. . An automated model to identify heart failure patients at risk for 30-day readmission or death using electronic medical record data. Med Care . 2010; 48:981–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 210. The University of Washington. The Seattle Heart Failure Model.Available at: http://depts.washington.edu/shfm/. 2012. Accessed July 11, 2013.Google Scholar
  • 211. Giamouzis G, Kalogeropoulos A, Georgiopoulou V, et al. . Hospitalization epidemic in patients with heart failure: risk factors, risk prediction, knowledge gaps, and future directions. J Card Fail . 2011; 17:54–75.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 212. Januzzi JL, Sakhuja R, O'Donoghue M, et al. . Utility of amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide testing for prediction of 1-year mortality in patients with dyspnea treated in the emergency department. Arch Intern Med . 2006; 166:315–20.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 213. Januzzi JL, Rehman S, Mueller T, et al. . Importance of biomarkers for long-term mortality prediction in acutely dyspneic patients. Clin Chem . 2010; 56:1814–21.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 214. O'Connor CM, Hasselblad V, Mehta RH, et al. . Triage after hospitalization with advanced heart failure: the ESCAPE (Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness) risk model and discharge score. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2010; 55:872–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 215. Kociol RD, Horton JR, Fonarow GC, et al. . Admission, discharge, or change in B-type natriuretic peptide and long-term outcomes: data from Organized Program to Initiate Lifesaving Treatment in Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure (OPTIMIZE-HF) linked to Medicare claims. Circ Heart Fail . 2011; 4:628–36.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 216. Okonko DO, Mandal AK, Missouris CG, et al. . Disordered iron homeostasis in chronic heart failure: prevalence, predictors, and relation to anemia, exercise capacity, and survival. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2011; 58:1241–51.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 217. Costello-Boerrigter LC, Boerrigter G, Redfield MM, et al. . Amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and B-type natriuretic peptide in the general community: determinants and detection of left ventricular dysfunction. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2006; 47:345–53.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 218. de Lemos JA, McGuire DK, Khera A, et al. . Screening the population for left ventricular hypertrophy and left ventricular systolic dysfunction using natriuretic peptides: results from the Dallas Heart Study. Am Heart J . 2009; 157:746–53.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 219. Goetze JP, Mogelvang R, Maage L, et al. . Plasma pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in the general population: screening for left ventricular hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction. Eur Heart J . 2006; 27:3004–10.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 220. Ng LL, Loke IW, Davies JE, et al. . Community screening for left ventricular systolic dysfunction using plasma and urinary natriuretic peptides. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2005; 45:1043–50.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 221. Richards AM, Doughty R, Nicholls MG, et al. . Plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and adrenomedullin: prognostic utility and prediction of benefit from carvedilol in chronic ischemic left ventricular dysfunction: Australia-New Zealand Heart Failure Group. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2001; 37:1781–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 222. Tang WH, Girod JP, Lee MJ, et al. . Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels in ambulatory patients with established chronic symptomatic systolic heart failure. Circulation . 2003; 108:2964–6.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 223. Vasan RS, Benjamin EJ, Larson MG, et al. . Plasma natriuretic peptides for community screening for left ventricular hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction: the Framingham Heart Study. JAMA . 2002; 288:1252–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 224. Berger R, Huelsman M, Strecker K, et al. . B-type natriuretic peptide predicts sudden death in patients with chronic heart failure. Circulation . 2002; 105:2392–7.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 225. Anand IS, Fisher LD, Chiang YT, et al. . Changes in brain natriuretic peptide and norepinephrine over time and mortality and morbidity in the Valsartan Heart Failure Trial (Val-HeFT). Circulation . 2003; 107:1278–83.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 226. Forfia PR, Watkins SP, Rame JE, et al. . Relationship between B-type natriuretic peptides and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in the intensive care unit. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2005; 45:1667–71.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 227. Taub PR, Daniels LB, Maisel AS. Usefulness of B-type natriuretic peptide levels in predicting hemodynamic and clinical decompensation. Heart Fail Clin . 2009; 5:169–75.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 228. Maeda K, Tsutamoto T, Wada A, et al. . High levels of plasma brain natriuretic peptide and interleukin-6 after optimized treatment for heart failure are independent risk factors for morbidity and mortality in patients with congestive heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2000; 36:1587–93.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 229. Neuhold S, Huelsmann M, Strunk G, et al. . Comparison of copeptin, B-type natriuretic peptide, and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with chronic heart failure: prediction of death at different stages of the disease. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2008; 52:266–72.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 230. Januzzi JL, Rehman SU, Mohammed AA, et al. . Use of amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide to guide outpatient therapy of patients with chronic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2011; 58:1881–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 231. Porapakkham P, Porapakkham P, Zimmet H, et al. . B-type natriuretic peptide-guided heart failure therapy: a meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med . 2010; 170:507–14.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 232. Felker GM, Hasselblad V, Hernandez AF, et al. . Biomarker-guided therapy in chronic heart failure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am Heart J . 2009; 158:422–30.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 233. Jourdain P, Jondeau G, Funck F, et al. . Plasma brain natriuretic peptide-guided therapy to improve outcome in heart failure: the STARS-BNP Multicenter Study. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2007; 49:1733–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 234. Pfisterer M, Buser P, Rickli H, et al. . BNP-guided vs symptom-guided heart failure therapy: the Trial of Intensified vs Standard Medical Therapy in Elderly Patients With Congestive Heart Failure (TIME-CHF) randomized trial. JAMA . 2009; 301:383–92.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 235. Berger R, Moertl D, Peter S, et al. . N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide-guided, intensive patient management in addition to multidisciplinary care in chronic heart failure: a 3-arm, prospective, randomized pilot study. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2010; 55:645–53.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 236. Troughton RW, Frampton CM, Yandle TG, et al. . Treatment of heart failure guided by plasma aminoterminal brain natriuretic peptide (N-BNP) concentrations. Lancet . 2000; 355:1126–30.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 237. Lainchbury JG, Troughton RW, Strangman KM, et al. . N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide-guided treatment for chronic heart failure: results from the BATTLESCARRED (NT-proBNP-Assisted Treatment To Lessen Serial Cardiac Readmissions and Death) trial. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2009; 55:53–60.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 238. Horwich TB, Patel J, MacLellan WR, et al. . Cardiac troponin I is associated with impaired hemodynamics, progressive left ventricular dysfunction, and increased mortality rates in advanced heart failure. Circulation . 2003; 108:833–8.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 239. Sato Y, Yamada T, Taniguchi R, et al. . Persistently increased serum concentrations of cardiac troponin t in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy are predictive of adverse outcomes. Circulation . 2001; 103:369–74.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 240. Setsuta K, Seino Y, Takahashi N, et al. . Clinical significance of elevated levels of cardiac troponin T in patients with chronic heart failure. Am J Cardiol . 1999; 84:608–11, A9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 241. Hudson MP, O'Connor CM, Gattis WA, et al. . Implications of elevated cardiac troponin T in ambulatory patients with heart failure: a prospective analysis. Am Heart J . 2004; 147:546–52.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 242. Tang WH, Shrestha K, Shao Z, et al. . Usefulness of plasma galectin-3 levels in systolic heart failure to predict renal insufficiency and survival. Am J Cardiol . 2011; 108:385–90.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 243. de Boer RA, Lok DJ, Jaarsma T, et al. . Predictive value of plasma galectin-3 levels in heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction. Ann Med . 2011; 43:60–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 244. Lok DJ, van der Meer P, de la Porte PW, et al. . Prognostic value of galectin-3, a novel marker of fibrosis, in patients with chronic heart failure: data from the DEAL-HF study. Clin Res Cardiol . 2010; 99:323–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 245. Dao Q, Krishnaswamy P, Kazanegra R, et al. . Utility of B-type natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure in an urgent-care setting. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2001; 37:379–85.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 246. Davis M, Espiner E, Richards G, et al. . Plasma brain natriuretic peptide in assessment of acute dyspnoea. Lancet . 1994; 343:440–4.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 247. Maisel AS, Krishnaswamy P, Nowak RM, et al. . Rapid measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide in the emergency diagnosis of heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2002; 347:161–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 248. van Kimmenade RR, Pinto YM, Bayes-Genis A, et al. . Usefulness of intermediate amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentrations for diagnosis and prognosis of acute heart failure. Am J Cardiol . 2006; 98:386–90.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 249. Moe GW, Howlett J, Januzzi JL, et al. . N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide testing improves the management of patients with suspected acute heart failure: primary results of the Canadian prospective randomized multicenter IMPROVE-CHF study. Circulation . 2007; 115:3103–10.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 250. Mueller C, Scholer A, Laule-Kilian K, et al. . Use of B-type natriuretic peptide in the evaluation and management of acute dyspnea. N Engl J Med . 2004; 350:647–54.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 251. Bettencourt P, Azevedo A, Pimenta J, et al. . N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide predicts outcome after hospital discharge in heart failure patients. Circulation . 2004; 110:2168–74.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 252. Cheng V, Kazanagra R, Garcia A, et al. . A rapid bedside test for B-type peptide predicts treatment outcomes in patients admitted for decompensated heart failure: a pilot study. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2001; 37:386–91.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 253. Fonarow GC, Peacock WF, Horwich TB, et al. . Usefulness of B-type natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin levels to predict in-hospital mortality from ADHERE. Am J Cardiol . 2008; 101:231–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 254. Logeart D, Thabut G, Jourdain P, et al. . Predischarge B-type natriuretic peptide assay for identifying patients at high risk of re-admission after decompensated heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2004; 43:635–41.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 255. Maisel A, Hollander JE, Guss D, et al. . Primary results of the Rapid Emergency Department Heart Failure Outpatient Trial (REDHOT): a multicenter study of B-type natriuretic peptide levels, emergency department decision making, and outcomes in patients presenting with shortness of breath. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2004; 44:1328–33.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 256. Zairis MN, Tsiaousis GZ, Georgilas AT, et al. . Multimarker strategy for the prediction of 31 days cardiac death in patients with acutely decompensated chronic heart failure. Int J Cardiol . 2010; 141:284–90.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 257. Peacock WFIV, De Marco T, Fonarow GC, et al. . Cardiac troponin and outcome in acute heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2008; 358:2117–26.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 258. Lee DS, Stitt A, Austin PC, et al. . Prediction of heart failure mortality in emergent care: a cohort study. Ann Intern Med . 2012; 156:767–75.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 259. Bayes-Genis A, Lopez L, Zapico E, et al. . NT-ProBNP reduction percentage during admission for acutely decompensated heart failure predicts long-term cardiovascular mortality. J Card Fail . 2005; 11:S3–S8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 260. Dhaliwal AS, Deswal A, Pritchett A, et al. . Reduction in BNP levels with treatment of decompensated heart failure and future clinical events. J Card Fail . 2009; 15:293–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 261. Alonso-Martinez JL, Llorente-Diez B, Echegaray-Agara M, et al. . C-reactive protein as a predictor of improvement and readmission in heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail . 2002; 4:331–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 262. Dieplinger B, Gegenhuber A, Kaar G, et al. . Prognostic value of established and novel biomarkers in patients with shortness of breath attending an emergency department. Clin Biochem . 2010; 43:714–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 263. Ilva T, Lassus J, Siirila-Waris K, et al. . Clinical significance of cardiac troponins I and T in acute heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail . 2008; 10:772–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 264. Januzzi JL, Peacock WF, Maisel AS, et al. . Measurement of the interleukin family member ST2 in patients with acute dyspnea: results from the PRIDE (Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Investigation of Dyspnea in the Emergency Department) study. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2007; 50:607–13.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 265. Manzano-Fernandez S, Mueller T, Pascual-Figal D, et al. . Usefulness of soluble concentrations of interleukin family member ST2 as predictor of mortality in patients with acutely decompensated heart failure relative to left ventricular ejection fraction. Am J Cardiol . 2011; 107:259–67.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 266. Rehman SU, Mueller T, Januzzi JL. Characteristics of the novel interleukin family biomarker ST2 in patients with acute heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2008; 52:1458–65.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 267. Shah RV, Chen-Tournoux AA, Picard MH, et al. . Galectin-3, cardiac structure and function, and long-term mortality in patients with acutely decompensated heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail . 2010; 12:826–32.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 268. Anwaruddin S, Lloyd-Jones DM, Baggish A, et al. . Renal function, congestive heart failure, and amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide measurement: results from the ProBNP Investigation of Dyspnea in the Emergency Department (PRIDE) Study. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2006; 47:91–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 269. Redfield MM, Rodeheffer RJ, Jacobsen SJ, et al. . Plasma brain natriuretic peptide concentration: impact of age and gender. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2002; 40:976–82.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 270. Wang TJ, Larson MG, Levy D, et al. . Impact of age and sex on plasma natriuretic peptide levels in healthy adults. Am J Cardiol . 2002; 90:254–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 271. Chang AY, Abdullah SM, Jain T, et al. . Associations among androgens, estrogens, and natriuretic peptides in young women: observations from the Dallas Heart Study. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2007; 49:109–16.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 272. Frantz RP, Olson LJ, Grill D, et al. . Carvedilol therapy is associated with a sustained decline in brain natriuretic peptide levels in patients with congestive heart failure. Am Heart J . 2005; 149:541–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 273. Tsutamoto T, Wada A, Maeda K, et al. . Effect of spironolactone on plasma brain natriuretic peptide and left ventricular remodeling in patients with congestive heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2001; 37:1228–33.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 274. Fruhwald FM, Fahrleitner-Pammer A, Berger R, et al. . Early and sustained effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy on N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with moderate to severe heart failure and cardiac dyssynchrony. Eur Heart J . 2007; 28:1592–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 275. Januzzi JL. Use of biomarkers to "guide" care in chronic heart failure: what have we learned (so far)? J Card Fail . 2011; 17:622–5.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 276. Missov E, Calzolari C, Pau B. Circulating cardiac troponin I in severe congestive heart failure. Circulation . 1997; 96:2953–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 277. Ather S, Hira RS, Shenoy M, et al. . Recurrent low-level troponin I elevation is a worse prognostic indicator than occasional injury pattern in patients hospitalized with heart failure. Int J Cardiol . 2011; 301:H2351–61.Google Scholar
  • 278. Januzzi JL, Filippatos G, Nieminen M, et al. . Troponin elevation in patients with heart failure: on behalf of the third Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction Global Task Force: Heart Failure Section. Eur Heart J . 2012; 33:2265–71.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 279. Matsumura Y, Takata J, Kitaoka H, et al. . Long-term prognosis of dilated cardiomyopathy revisited: an improvement in survival over the past 20 years. Circ J . 2006; 70:376–83.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 280. Deleted in press.Google Scholar
  • 281. Rizzello V, Poldermans D, Biagini E, et al. . Prognosis of patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy after coronary revascularisation: relation to viability and improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction. Heart . 2009; 95:1273–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 282. Allman KC, Shaw LJ, Hachamovitch R, et al. . Myocardial viability testing and impact of revascularization on prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction: a meta-analysis. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2002; 39:1151–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 283. Beanlands RS, Ruddy TD, deKemp RA, et al. . Positron emission tomography and recovery following revascularization (PARR-1): the importance of scar and the development of a prediction rule for the degree of recovery of left ventricular function. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2002; 40:1735–43.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 284. Pagley PR, Beller GA, Watson DD, et al. . Improved outcome after coronary bypass surgery in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and residual myocardial viability. Circulation . 1997; 96:793–800.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 285. Senior R, Kaul S, Lahiri A. Myocardial viability on echocardiography predicts long-term survival after revascularization in patients with ischemic congestive heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1999; 33:1848–54.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 286. Kwon DH, Halley CM, Carrigan TP, et al. . Extent of left ventricular scar predicts outcomes in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients with significantly reduced systolic function: a delayed hyperenhancement cardiac magnetic resonance study. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging . 2009; 2:34–44.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 287. Ordovas KG, Higgins CB. Delayed contrast enhancement on MR images of myocardium: past, present, future. Radiology . 2011; 261:358–74.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 288. Syed IS, Glockner JF, Feng D, et al. . Role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of cardiac amyloidosis. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging . 2010; 3:155–64.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 289. Beller GA. Tests that may be overused or misused in cardiology: the Choosing Wisely campaign. J Nucl Cardiol . 2012; 19:401–3.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 290. Douglas PS, Garcia MJ, Haines DE, et al. . ACCF/ASE/AHA/ASNC/HFSA/HRS/SCAI/SCCM/SCCT/SCMR 2011 Appropriate use criteria for echocardiography: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation Appropriate Use Criteria Task Force, American Society of Echocardiography, American Heart Association, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, Heart Failure Society of America, Heart Rhythm Society, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Critical Care Medicine, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, and Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2011; 57:1126–166. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2010.11.002.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 291. Agha SA, Kalogeropoulos AP, Shih J, et al. . Echocardiography and risk prediction in advanced heart failure: incremental value over clinical markers. J Card Fail . 2009; 15:586–92.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 292. Aurigemma GP, Gottdiener JS, Shemanski L, et al. . Predictive value of systolic and diastolic function for incident congestive heart failure in the elderly: the Cardiovascular Health Study. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2001; 37:1042–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 293. Chen AA, Wood MJ, Krauser DG, et al. . NT-proBNP levels, echocardiographic findings, and outcomes in breathless patients: results from the ProBNP Investigation of Dyspnoea in the Emergency Department (PRIDE) echocardiographic substudy. Eur Heart J . 2006; 27:839–45.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 294. Gardin JM, McClelland R, Kitzman D, et al. . M-mode echocardiographic predictors of six- to seven-year incidence of coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and mortality in an elderly cohort (the Cardiovascular Health Study). Am J Cardiol . 2001; 87:1051–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 295. Grayburn PA, Appleton CP, DeMaria AN, et al. . Echocardiographic predictors of morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced heart failure: the Beta-blocker Evaluation of Survival Trial (BEST). J Am Coll Cardiol . 2005; 45:1064–71.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 296. Francis CM, Caruana L, Kearney P, et al. . Open access echocardiography in management of heart failure in the community. BMJ . 1995; 310:634–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 297. Bonow RO, Bennett S, Casey DE, et al. . ACC/AHA clinical performance measures for adults with chronic heart failure: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Performance Measures (Writing Committee to Develop Heart Failure Clinical Performance Measures). Circulation . 2005; 112:1853–87.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 298. Valle-Munoz A, Estornell-Erill J, Soriano-Navarro CJ, et al. . Late gadolinium enhancement-cardiovascular magnetic resonance identifies coronary artery disease as the aetiology of left ventricular dysfunction in acute new-onset congestive heart failure. Eur J Echocardiogr . 2009; 10:968–74.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 299. Butler J. The emerging role of multi-detector computed tomography in heart failure. J Card Fail . 2007; 13:215–26.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 300. van Royen N, Jaffe CC, Krumholz HM, et al. . Comparison and reproducibility of visual echocardiographic and quantitative radionuclide left ventricular ejection fractions. Am J Cardiol . 1996; 77:843–50.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 301. Atchley AE, Kitzman DW, Whellan DJ, et al. . Myocardial perfusion, function, and dyssynchrony in patients with heart failure: baseline results from the single-photon emission computed tomography imaging ancillary study of the Heart Failure and A Controlled Trial Investigating Outcomes of Exercise TraiNing (HF-ACTION) Trial. Am Heart J . 2009; 158:S53–63.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 302. Nichols KJ, Van TA, Wang Y, et al. . Automated detection of left ventricular dyskinesis by gated blood pool SPECT. Nucl Med Commun . 2010; 31:881–8.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 303. Soman P, Lahiri A, Mieres JH, et al. . Etiology and pathophysiology of new-onset heart failure: evaluation by myocardial perfusion imaging. J Nucl Cardiol . 2009; 16:82–91.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 304. Bonow RO, Maurer G, Lee KL, et al. . Myocardial viability and survival in ischemic left ventricular dysfunction. N Engl J Med . 2011; 364:1617–25.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 305. Binanay C, Califf RM, Hasselblad V, et al. . Evaluation study of congestive heart failure and pulmonary artery catheterization effectiveness: the ESCAPE trial. JAMA . 2005; 294:1625–33.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 306. Shah MR, Hasselblad V, Stevenson LW, et al. . Impact of the pulmonary artery catheter in critically ill patients: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. JAMA . 2005; 294:1664–70.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 307. Alderman EL, Fisher LD, Litwin P, et al. . Results of coronary artery surgery in patients with poor left ventricular function (CASS). Circulation . 1983; 68:785–95.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 308. Patel MR, Dehmer GJ, Hirshfeld JW, et al. . ACCF/SCAI/STS/AATS/AHA/ASNC 2009 appropriateness criteria for coronary revascularization: a report by the American College of Cardiology Foundation Appropriateness Criteria Task Force, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American Heart Association, and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. Circulation . 2009; 119:1330–52.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 309. Velazquez EJ, Lee KL, Deja MA, et al. . Coronary-artery bypass surgery in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. N Engl J Med . 2011; 364:1607–16.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 310. Cooper LT, Baughman KL, Feldman AM, et al. . The role of endomyocardial biopsy in the management of cardiovascular disease: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and the European Society of Cardiology. Circulation . 2007; 116:2216–33.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 311. Beckett NS, Peters R, Fletcher AE, et al. . Treatment of hypertension in patients 80 years of age or older. N Engl J Med . 2008; 358:1887–98.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 312. Sciarretta S, Palano F, Tocci G, et al. . Antihypertensive treatment and development of heart failure in hypertension: a Bayesian network meta-analysis of studies in patients with hypertension and high cardiovascular risk. Arch Intern Med . 2011; 171:384–94.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 313. Staessen JA, Wang JG, Thijs L. Cardiovascular prevention and blood pressure reduction: a quantitative overview updated until 1 March 2003. J Hypertens . 2003; 21:1055–76.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 314. Verdecchia P, Sleight P, Mancia G, et al. . Effects of telmisartan, ramipril, and their combination on left ventricular hypertrophy in individuals at high vascular risk in the Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination With Ramipril Global End Point Trial and the Telmisartan Randomized Assessment Study in ACE Intolerant Subjects With Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation . 2009; 120:1380–9.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 315. Mills EJ, Rachlis B, Wu P, et al. . Primary prevention of cardiovascular mortality and events with statin treatments: a network meta-analysis involving more than 65,000 patients. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2008; 52:1769–81.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 316. Taylor F, Ward K, Moore TH, et al. . Statins for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev . 2011;(1):CD004816.Google Scholar
  • 317. Braunwald E, Domanski MJ, Fowler SE, et al. . Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibition in stable coronary artery disease. N Engl J Med . 2004; 351:2058–68.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 318. Kenchaiah S, Sesso HD, Gaziano JM. Body mass index and vigorous physical activity and the risk of heart failure among men. Circulation . 2009; 119:44–52.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 319. Lee DS, Massaro JM, Wang TJ, et al. . Antecedent blood pressure, body mass index, and the risk of incident heart failure in later life. Hypertension . 2007; 50:869–76.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 320. Butler J, Kalogeropoulos A, Georgiopoulou V, et al. . Incident heart failure prediction in the elderly: the Health ABC heart failure score. Circ Heart Fail . 2008; 1:125–33.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 321. Kalogeropoulos A, Georgiopoulou V, Harris TB, et al. . Glycemic status and incident heart failure in elderly without history of diabetes mellitus: the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study. J Card Fail . 2009; 15:593–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 322. Lind M, Bounias I, Olsson M, et al. . Glycaemic control and incidence of heart failure in 20,985 patients with type 1 diabetes: an observational study. Lancet . 2011; 378:140–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 323. Pfister R, Cairns R, Erdmann E, et al. . A clinical risk score for heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes and macrovascular disease: an analysis of the PROactive study. Int J Cardiol . 2013; 162:112–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 324. Bibbins-Domingo K, Lin F, Vittinghoff E, et al. . Predictors of heart failure among women with coronary disease. Circulation . 2004; 110:1424–30.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 325. The EUCLID Study Group.Randomised placebo-controlled trial of lisinopril in normotensive patients with insulin-dependent diabetes and normoalbuminuria or microalbuminuria. Lancet . 1997; 349:1787–92.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 326. Coyle JD, Gardner SF, White CM. The renal protective effects of angiotensin II receptor blockers in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ann Pharmacother . 2004; 38:1731–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 327. Berl T, Hunsicker LG, Lewis JB, et al. . Cardiovascular outcomes in the Irbesartan Diabetic Nephropathy Trial of patients with type 2 diabetes and overt nephropathy. Ann Intern Med . 2003; 138:542–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 328. Brenner BM, Cooper ME, de Zeeuw D, et al. . Effects of losartan on renal and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. N Engl J Med . 2001; 345:861–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 329. Yusuf S, Sleight P, Pogue J, et al. . Effects of an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor, ramipril, on cardiovascular events in high-risk patients: the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation Study Investigators. N Engl J Med . 2000; 342:145–53.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 330. Choueiri TK, Mayer EL, Je Y, et al. . Congestive heart failure risk in patients with breast cancer treated with bevacizumab. J Clin Oncol . 2011; 29:632–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 331. Du XL, Xia R, Burau K, et al. . Cardiac risk associated with the receipt of anthracycline and trastuzumab in a large nationwide cohort of older women with breast cancer, 1998–2005. Med Oncol . 2011; 28Suppl 1:S80–90.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 332. Yusuf SW, Ilias-Khan NA, Durand JB. Chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther . 2011; 9:231–43.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 333. Sawaya H, Sebag IA, Plana JC, et al. . Early detection and prediction of cardiotoxicity in chemotherapy-treated patients. Am J Cardiol . 2011; 107:1375–80.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 334. Kalogeropoulos A, Georgiopoulou V, Kritchevsky SB, et al. . Epidemiology of incident heart failure in a contemporary elderly cohort: the health, aging, and body composition study. Arch Intern Med . 2009; 169:708–15.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 335. McKie PM, Cataliotti A, Lahr BD, et al. . The prognostic value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide for death and cardiovascular events in healthy normal and stage A/B heart failure subjects. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2010; 55:2140–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 336. Velagaleti RS, Gona P, Larson MG, et al. . Multimarker approach for the prediction of heart failure incidence in the community. Circulation . 2010; 122:1700–6.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 337. deFilippi CR, de Lemos JA, Christenson RH, et al. . Association of serial measures of cardiac troponin T using a sensitive assay with incident heart failure and cardiovascular mortality in older adults. JAMA . 2010; 304:2494–502.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 338. Blecker S, Matsushita K, Kottgen A, et al. . High-normal albuminuria and risk of heart failure in the community. Am J Kidney Dis . 2011; 58:47–55.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 339. Dhingra R, Gaziano JM, Djousse L. Chronic kidney disease and the risk of heart failure in men. Circ Heart Fail . 2011; 4:138–44.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 340. Dhingra R, Gona P, Benjamin EJ, et al. . Relations of serum phosphorus levels to echocardiographic left ventricular mass and incidence of heart failure in the community. Eur J Heart Fail . 2010; 12:812–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 341. Heidenreich PA, Gubens MA, Fonarow GC, et al. . Cost-effectiveness of screening with B-type natriuretic peptide to identify patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2004; 43:1019–26.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 342. Pfeffer MA, Braunwald E, Moye LA, et al. . Effect of captopril on mortality and morbidity in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction: results of the survival and ventricular enlargement trial: the SAVE Investigators. N Engl J Med . 1992; 327:669–77.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 343. The CONSENSUS Trial Study Group. Effects of enalapril on mortality in severe congestive heart failure: results of the Cooperative North Scandinavian Enalapril Survival Study (CONSENSUS). N Engl J Med . 1987; 316:1429–35.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 344. The SOLVD Investigators. Effect of enalapril on mortality and the development of heart failure in asymptomatic patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fractions. N Engl J Med . 1992; 327:685–91.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 345. Pfeffer MA, McMurray JJ, Velazquez EJ, et al. . Valsartan, captopril, or both in myocardial infarction complicated by heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, or both. N Engl J Med . 2003; 349:1893–906.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 346. Dargie HJ. Effect of carvedilol on outcome after myocardial infarction in patients with left-ventricular dysfunction: the CAPRICORN randomised trial. Lancet . 2001; 357:1385–90.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 347. Vantrimpont P, Rouleau JL, Wun CC, et al. . Additive beneficial effects of beta-blockers to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the Survival and Ventricular Enlargement (SAVE) Study: SAVE Investigators. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1997; 29:229–36.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 348. Exner DV, Dries DL, Waclawiw MA, et al. . Beta-adrenergic blocking agent use and mortality in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a post hoc analysis of the Studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1999; 33:916–23.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 349. Scirica BM, Morrow DA, Cannon CP, et al. . Intensive statin therapy and the risk of hospitalization for heart failure after an acute coronary syndrome in the PROVE IT-TIMI 22 study. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2006; 47:2326–31.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 350. Afilalo J, Majdan AA, Eisenberg MJ. Intensive statin therapy in acute coronary syndromes and stable coronary heart disease: a comparative meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Heart . 2007; 93:914–21.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 351. Ho JE, Waters DD, Kean A, et al. . Relation of improvement in estimated glomerular filtration rate with atorvastatin to reductions in hospitalizations for heart failure (from the Treating to New Targets [TNT] study). Am J Cardiol . 2012; 109:1761–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 352. Strandberg TE, Holme I, Faergeman O, et al. . Comparative effect of atorvastatin (80 mg) versus simvastatin (20 to 40 mg) in preventing hospitalizations for heart failure in patients with previous myocardial infarction. Am J Cardiol . 2009; 103:1381–5.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 353. Kjekshus J, Pedersen TR, Olsson AG, et al. . The effects of simvastatin on the incidence of heart failure in patients with coronary heart disease. J Card Fail . 1997; 3:249–54.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 354. Sacks FM, Pfeffer MA, Moye LA, et al. ; Cholesterol and Recurrent Events Trial Investigators. The effect of pravastatin on coronary events after myocardial infarction in patients with average cholesterol levels. N Engl J Med . 1996; 335:1001–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 355. Moss AJ, Zareba W, Hall WJ, et al. . Prophylactic implantation of a defibrillator in patients with myocardial infarction and reduced ejection fraction. N Engl J Med . 2002; 346:877–83.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 356. de Lemos JA, Blazing MA, Wiviott SD, et al. . Early intensive vs a delayed conservative simvastatin strategy in patients with acute coronary syndromes: phase Z of the A to Z trial. JAMA . 2004; 292:1307–16.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 357. Dahlof B, Devereux R, de Faire U, et al. . The Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction (LIFE) in Hypertension study: rationale, design, and methods: the LIFE Study Group. Am J Hypertens . 1997; 10:705–13.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 358. Mancia G. Effects of intensive blood pressure control in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial. Circulation . 2010; 122:847–9.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 359. The ALLHAT Officers and Coordinators for the ALLHAT Collaborative Research Group.Major outcomes in high-risk hypertensive patients randomized to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or calcium channel blocker vs diuretic: the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT). JAMA . 2002; 288:2981–97. Errata in: JAMA. 2004;291:2196 and JAMA. 2003;289:178.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 360. Staessen JA, Wang JG, Thijs L. Cardiovascular protection and blood pressure reduction: a meta-analysis. Lancet . 2001; 358:1305–15.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 361. Pitt B, Reichek N, Willenbrock R, et al. . Effects of eplerenone, enalapril, and eplerenone/enalapril in patients with essential hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy: the 4E-left ventricular hypertrophy study. Circulation . 2003; 108:1831–8.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 362. Moss AJ, Hall WJ, Cannom DS, et al. . Improved survival with an implanted defibrillator in patients with coronary disease at high risk for ventricular arrhythmia: Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial Investigators. N Engl J Med . 1996; 335:1933–40.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 363. Boren SA, Wakefield BJ, Gunlock TL, et al. . Heart failure self-management education: a systematic review of the evidence. Int J Evid Based Healthc . 2009; 7:159–68.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 364. Gwadry-Sridhar FH, Arnold JM, Zhang Y, et al. . Pilot study to determine the impact of a multidisciplinary educational intervention in patients hospitalized with heart failure. Am Heart J . 2005; 150:982.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 365. Koelling TM, Johnson ML, Cody RJ, et al. . Discharge education improves clinical outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure. Circulation . 2005; 111:179–85.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 366. VanSuch M, Naessens JM, Stroebel RJ, et al. . Effect of discharge instructions on readmission of hospitalised patients with heart failure: do all of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations heart failure core measures reflect better care? Qual Saf Health Care . 2006; 15:414–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 367. Aguado O, Morcillo C, Delas J, et al. . Long-term implications of a single home-based educational intervention in patients with heart failure. Heart Lung . 2010; 39:S14–22.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 368. Riegel B, Moser DK, Anker SD, et al. . State of the science: promoting self-care in persons with heart failure: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation . 2009; 120:1141–63.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 369. Powell LH, Calvin JE, Richardson D, et al. . Self-management counseling in patients with heart failure: the Heart Failure Adherence and Retention Randomized Behavioral Trial. JAMA . 2010; 304:1331–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 370. Jha AK, Orav EJ, Epstein AM. Public reporting of discharge planning and rates of readmissions. N Engl J Med . 2009; 361:2637–45.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 371. Gallager R, Luttik ML, Jaarsma T. Social support and self-care in heart failure. J Cardiovasc Nurs . 2011; 26:439–45.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 372. Luttik ML, Jaarsma T, Moser D, et al. . The importance and impact of social support on outcomes in patients with heart failure: an overview of the literature. J Cardiovasc Nurs . 2005; 20:162–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 373. Struthers AD, Anderson G, Donnan PT, et al. . Social deprivation increases cardiac hospitalisations in chronic heart failure independent of disease severity and diuretic non-adherence. Heart . 2000; 83:12–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 374. Murberg TA, Bru E. Social relationships and mortality in patients with congestive heart failure. J Psychosom Res . 2001; 51:521–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 375. Murberg TA. Long-term effect of social relationships on mortality in patients with congestive heart failure. Int J Psychiatry Med . 2004; 34:207–17.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 376. Dickstein K, Cohen-Solal A, Filippatos G, et al. . ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure 2008: the Task Force for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure 2008 of the European Society of Cardiology: developed in collaboration with the Heart Failure Association of the ESC (HFA) and endorsed by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM). Eur Heart J . 2008; 29:2388–442.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 377. Malcom J, Arnold O, Howlett JG, et al. . Canadian Cardiovascular Society Consensus Conference guidelines on heart failure–2008 update: best practices for the transition of care of heart failure patients, and the recognition, investigation and treatment of cardiomyopathies. Can J Cardiol . 2008; 24:21–40.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 378. Lennie TA, Song EK, Wu JR, et al. . Three gram sodium intake is associated with longer event-free survival only in patients with advanced heart failure. J Card Fail . 2011; 17:325–30.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 379. Arcand J, Ivanov J, Sasson A, et al. . A high-sodium diet is associated with acute decompensated heart failure in ambulatory heart failure patients: a prospective follow-up study. Am J Clin Nutr . 2011; 93:332–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 380. Cody RJ, Covit AB, Schaer GL, et al. . Sodium and water balance in chronic congestive heart failure. J Clin Invest . 1986; 77:1441–52.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 381. Damgaard M, Norsk P, Gustafsson F, et al. . Hemodynamic and neuroendocrine responses to changes in sodium intake in compensated heart failure. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol . 2006; 290:R1294–301.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 382. Volpe M, Magri P, Rao MA, et al. . Intrarenal determinants of sodium retention in mild heart failure: effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition. Hypertension . 1997; 30:168–76.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 383. Volpe M, Tritto C, DeLuca N, et al. . Abnormalities of sodium handling and of cardiovascular adaptations during high salt diet in patients with mild heart failure. Circulation . 1993; 88:1620–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 384. Paterna S, Parrinello G, Cannizzaro S, et al. . Medium term effects of different dosage of diuretic, sodium, and fluid administration on neurohormonal and clinical outcome in patients with recently compensated heart failure. Am J Cardiol . 2009; 103:93–102.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 385. Paterna S, Gaspare P, Fasullo S, et al. . Normal-sodium diet compared with low-sodium diet in compensated congestive heart failure: is sodium an old enemy or a new friend? Clin Sci (Lond) . 2008; 114:221–30.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 386. Parrinello G, Di Pasquale P, Licata G, et al. . Long-term effects of dietary sodium intake on cytokines and neurohormonal activation in patients with recently compensated congestive heart failure. J Card Fail . 2009; 15:864–73.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 387. He FJ, MacGregor GA. Effect of longer-term modest salt reduction on blood pressure. Cochrane Database Syst Rev . 2004;(3): CD004937.CrossrefGoogle Scholar
  • 388. The Trials of Hypertension Prevention Collaborative Research Group.Effects of weight loss and sodium reduction intervention on blood pressure and hypertension incidence in overweight people with high-normal blood pressure: the Trials of Hypertension Prevention, phase II. Arch Intern Med . 1997; 157:657–67.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 389. Jula AM, Karanko HM. Effects on left ventricular hypertrophy of long-term nonpharmacological treatment with sodium restriction in mild-to-moderate essential hypertension. Circulation . 1994; 89:1023–31.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 390. Cook NR, Cutler JA, Obarzanek E, et al. . Long term effects of dietary sodium reduction on cardiovascular disease outcomes: observational follow-up of the Trials of Hypertension Prevention (TOHP). BMJ . 2007; 334:885–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 391. Strazzullo P, D'Elia L, Kandala NB, et al. . Salt intake, stroke, and cardiovascular disease: meta-analysis of prospective studies. BMJ . 2009; 339:b4567.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 392. Gupta D, Georgiopoulou VV, Kalogeropoulos AP, et al. . Dietary sodium intake in heart failure. Circulation . 2012; 126:479–85.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 393. Arzt M, Floras JS, Logan AG, et al. . Suppression of central sleep apnea by continuous positive airway pressure and transplant-free survival in heart failure: a post hoc analysis of the Canadian Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Patients with Central Sleep Apnea and Heart Failure Trial (CANPAP). Circulation . 2007; 115:3173–80.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 394. Bradley TD, Logan AG, Kimoff RJ, et al. . Continuous positive airway pressure for central sleep apnea and heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2005; 353:2025–33.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 395. Kaneko Y, Floras JS, Usui K, et al. . Cardiovascular effects of continuous positive airway pressure in patients with heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea. N Engl J Med . 2003; 348:1233–41.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 396. Mansfield DR, Gollogly NC, Kaye DM, et al. . Controlled trial of continuous positive airway pressure in obstructive sleep apnea and heart failure. Am J Respir Crit Care Med . 2004; 169:361–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 397. MacDonald M, Fang J, Pittman SD, et al. . The current prevalence of sleep disordered breathing in congestive heart failure patients treated with beta-blockers. J Clin Sleep Med . 2008; 4:38–42.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 398. Arzt M, Young T, Finn L, et al. . Sleepiness and sleep in patients with both systolic heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea. Arch Intern Med . 2006; 166:1716–22.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 399. Pasini E, Opasich C, Pastoris O, et al. . Inadequate nutritional intake for daily life activity of clinically stable patients with chronic heart failure. Am J Cardiol . 2004; 93:41A–3A.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 400. Habbu A, Lakkis NM, Dokainish H. The obesity paradox: fact or fiction? Am J Cardiol . 2006; 98:944–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 401. Alpert MA, Lambert CR, Panayiotou H, et al. . Relation of duration of morbid obesity to left ventricular mass, systolic function, and diastolic filling, and effect of weight loss. Am J Cardiol . 1995; 76:1194–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 402. Ristow B, Rabkin J, Haeusslein E. Improvement in dilated cardiomyopathy after bariatric surgery. J Card Fail . 2008; 14:198–202.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 403. Sayin T, Guldal M. Sibutramine: possible cause of a reversible cardiomyopathy. Int J Cardiol . 2005; 99:481–2.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 404. Davies EJ, Moxham T, Rees K, et al. . Exercise training for systolic heart failure: Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Heart Fail . 2010; 12:706–15.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 405. McKelvie RS. Exercise training in patients with heart failure: clinical outcomes, safety, and indications. Heart Fail Rev . 2008; 13:3–11.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 406. O'Connor CM, Whellan DJ, Lee KL, et al. . Efficacy and safety of exercise training in patients with chronic heart failure: HF-ACTION randomized controlled trial. JAMA . 2009; 301:1439–50.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 407. Pina IL, Apstein CS, Balady GJ, et al. . Exercise and heart failure: a statement from the American Heart Association Committee on Exercise, Rehabilitation, and Prevention. Circulation . 2003; 107:1210–25.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 408. Smart N, Marwick TH. Exercise training for patients with heart failure: a systematic review of factors that improve mortality and morbidity. Am J Med . 2004; 116:693–706.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 409. Piepoli MF, Davos C, Francis DP, et al. . Exercise training meta-analysis of trials in patients with chronic heart failure (ExTraMATCH). BMJ . 2004; 328:189.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 410. Austin J, Williams R, Ross L, et al. . Randomised controlled trial of cardiac rehabilitation in elderly patients with heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail . 2005; 7:411–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 411. Austin J, Williams WR, Ross L, et al. . Five-year follow-up findings from a randomized controlled trial of cardiac rehabilitation for heart failure. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil . 2008; 15:162–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 412. Cohn JN, Johnson G, Ziesche S, et al. . A comparison of enalapril with hydralazine-isosorbide dinitrate in the treatment of chronic congestive heart failure. N Engl J Med . 1991; 325:303–10.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 413. The SOLVD Investigators.Effect of enalapril on survival in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fractions and congestive heart failure. N Engl J Med . 1991; 325:293–302.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 414. Garg R, Yusuf S. Overview of randomized trials of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure: Collaborative Group on ACE Inhibitor Trials. JAMA . 1995; 273:1450–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 415. Maggioni AP, Anand I, Gottlieb SO, et al. . Effects of valsartan on morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure not receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2002; 40:1414–21.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 416. The Xamoterol in Severe Heart Failure Study Group.Xamoterol in severe heart failure. Lancet . 1990; 336:1–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 417. Australia-New Zealand Heart Failure Research Collaborative Group. Effects of carvedilol, a vasodilator-beta-blocker, in patients with congestive heart failure due to ischemic heart disease. Circulation . 1995; 92:212–8.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 418. The Beta-Blocker Evaluation of Survival Trial Investigators. A trial of the beta-blocker bucindolol in patients with advanced chronic heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2001; 344:1659–67.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 419. Poole-Wilson PA, Swedberg K, Cleland JG, et al. . Comparison of carvedilol and metoprolol on clinical outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure in the Carvedilol Or Metoprolol European Trial (COMET): randomised controlled trial. Lancet . 2003; 362:7–13.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 420. Pfeffer MA, Swedberg K, Granger CB, et al. . Effects of candesartan on mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic heart failure: the CHARM-Overall programme. Lancet . 2003; 362:759–66.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 421. Konstam MA, Neaton JD, Dickstein K, et al. . Effects of high-dose versus low-dose losartan on clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure (HEAAL study): a randomised, double-blind trial. Lancet . 2009; 374:1840–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 422. Pitt B, Segal R, Martinez FA, et al. . Randomised trial of losartan versus captopril in patients over 65 with heart failure (Evaluation of Losartan in the Elderly Study, ELITE). Lancet . 1997; 349:747–52.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 423. Carson P, Ziesche S, Johnson G, et al. ; Vasodilator-Heart Failure Trial Study Group. Racial differences in response to therapy for heart failure: analysis of the vasodilator-heart failure trials. J Card Fail . 1999; 5:178–87.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 424. Taylor AL, Ziesche S, Yancy C, et al. . Combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine in blacks with heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2004; 351:2049–57.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 425. Pitt B, Zannad F, Remme WJ, et al. ; Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study Investigators. The effect of spironolactone on morbidity and mortality in patients with severe heart failure. N Engl J Med . 1999; 341:709–17.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 426. Zannad F, McMurray JJ, Krum H, et al. . Eplerenone in patients with systolic heart failure and mild symptoms. N Engl J Med . 2011; 364:11–21.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 427. Brater DC. Diuretic therapy. N Engl J Med . 1998; 339:387–95.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 428. Cody RJ, Kubo SH, Pickworth KK. Diuretic treatment for the sodium retention of congestive heart failure. Arch Intern Med . 1994; 154:1905–14.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 429. Patterson JH, Adams KF, Applefeld MM, et al. . Oral torsemide in patients with chronic congestive heart failure: effects on body weight, edema, and electrolyte excretion: Torsemide Investigators Group. Pharmacotherapy . 1994; 14:514–21.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 430. Sherman LG, Liang CS, Baumgardner S, et al. . Piretanide, a potent diuretic with potassium-sparing properties, for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Clin Pharmacol Ther . 1986; 40:587–94.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 431. Wilson JR, Reichek N, Dunkman WB, et al. . Effect of diuresis on the performance of the failing left ventricle in man. Am J Med . 1981; 70:234–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 432. Parker JO. The effects of oral ibopamine in patients with mild heart failure: a double blind placebo controlled comparison to furosemide: the Ibopamine Study Group. Int J Cardiol . 1993; 40:221–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 433. Richardson A, Bayliss J, Scriven AJ, et al. . Double-blind comparison of captopril alone against frusemide plus amiloride in mild heart failure. Lancet . 1987; 2:709–11.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 434. Risler T, Schwab A, Kramer B, et al. . Comparative pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of loop diuretics in renal failure. Cardiology . 1994; 84Suppl 2:155–61.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 435. Vargo DL, Kramer WG, Black PK, et al. . Bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of torsemide and furosemide in patients with congestive heart failure. Clin Pharmacol Ther . 1995; 57:601–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 436. Herchuelz A, Derenne F, Deger F, et al. . Interaction between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and loop diuretics: modulation by sodium balance. J Pharmacol Exp Ther . 1989; 248:1175–81.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 437. Gottlieb SS, Robinson S, Krichten CM, et al. . Renal response to indomethacin in congestive heart failure secondary to ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol . 1992; 70:890–3.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 438. Brater DC, Harris C, Redfern JS, et al. . Renal effects of COX-2-selective inhibitors. Am J Nephrol . 2001; 21:1–15.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 439. Dormans TP, van Meyel JJ, Gerlag PG, et al. . Diuretic efficacy of high dose furosemide in severe heart failure: bolus injection versus continuous infusion. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1996; 28:376–82.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 440. Oster JR, Epstein M, Smoller S. Combined therapy with thiazide-type and loop diuretic agents for resistant sodium retention. Ann Intern Med . 1983; 99:405–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 441. Ellison DH. The physiologic basis of diuretic synergism: its role in treating diuretic resistance. Ann Intern Med . 1991; 114:886–94.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 442. Sica DA, Gehr TW. Diuretic combinations in refractory oedema states: pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships. Clin Pharmacokinet . 1996; 30:229–49.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 443. Epstein M, Lepp B, Hoffman D. Potentiation of furosemide by metolazone in refractory edema. Curr Ther Res . 1977;656–67.Google Scholar
  • 444. Steiness E, Olesen KH. Cardiac arrhythmias induced by hypokalaemia and potassium loss during maintenance digoxin therapy. Br Heart J . 1976; 38:167–72.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 445. Packer M, Poole-Wilson PA, Armstrong PW, et al. ; ATLAS Study Group. Comparative effects of low and high doses of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, lisinopril, on morbidity and mortality in chronic heart failure. Circulation . 1999; 100:2312–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 446. Pitt B, Remme W, Zannad F, et al. . Eplerenone, a selective aldosterone blocker, in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med . 2003; 348:1309–21.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 447. Packer M, Coats AJ, Fowler MB, et al. . Effect of carvedilol on survival in severe chronic heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2001; 344:1651–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 448. Effect of metoprolol CR/XL in chronic heart failure: Metoprolol CR/XL Randomised Intervention Trial in Congestive Heart Failure (MERIT-HF). Lancet . 1999; 353:2001–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 449. Cohn JN, Archibald DG, Ziesche S, et al. . Effect of vasodilator therapy on mortality in chronic congestive heart failure: results of a Veterans Administration Cooperative Study. N Engl J Med . 1986; 314:1547–52.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 450. Granger CB, McMurray JJ, Yusuf S, et al. . Effects of candesartan in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced left-ventricular systolic function intolerant to angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors: the CHARM-Alternative trial. Lancet . 2003; 362:772–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 451. Crozier I, Ikram H, Awan N, et al. ; Losartan Hemodynamic Study Group. Losartan in heart failure: hemodynamic effects and tolerability. Circulation . 1995; 91:691–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 452. Gottlieb SS, Dickstein K, Fleck E, et al. . Hemodynamic and neurohormonal effects of the angiotensin II antagonist losartan in patients with congestive heart failure. Circulation . 1993; 88:1602–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 453. Mazayev VP, Fomina IG, Kazakov EN, et al. . Valsartan in heart failure patients previously untreated with an ACE inhibitor. Int J Cardiol . 1998; 65:239–46.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 454. McKelvie RS, Yusuf S, Pericak D, et al. . Comparison of candesartan, enalapril, and their combination in congestive heart failure: randomized evaluation of strategies for left ventricular dysfunction (RESOLVD) pilot study: the RESOLVD Pilot Study Investigators. Circulation . 1999; 100:1056–64.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 455. Riegger GA, Bouzo H, Petr P, et al. ; for the Symptom, Tolerability, Response to Exercise Trial of Candesartan Cilexetil in Heart Failure (STRETCH) Investigators. Improvement in exercise tolerance and symptoms of congestive heart failure during treatment with candesartan cilexetil. Circulation . 1999; 100:2224–30.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 456. Sharma D, Buyse M, Pitt B, et al. . Meta-analysis of observed mortality data from all-controlled, double-blind, multiple-dose studies of losartan in heart failure: Losartan Heart Failure Mortality Meta-analysis Study Group. Am J Cardiol . 2000; 85:187–92.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 457. Velazquez EJ, Pfeffer MA, McMurray JV, et al. . VALsartan In Acute myocardial iNfarcTion (VALIANT) trial: baseline characteristics in context. Eur J Heart Fail . 2003; 5:537–44.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 458. Cicardi M, Zingale LC, Bergamaschini L, et al. . Angioedema associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use: outcome after switching to a different treatment. Arch Intern Med . 2004; 164:910–3.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 459. Makani H, Messerli FH, Romero J, et al. . Meta-analysis of randomized trials of angioedema as an adverse event of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors. Am J Cardiol . 2012; 110:383–91.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 460. Toh S, Reichman ME, Houstoun M, et al. . Comparative risk for angioedema associated with the use of drugs that target the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Arch Intern Med . 2012; 172:1582–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 461. Warner KK, Visconti JA, Tschampel MM. Angiotensin II receptor blockers in patients with ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema. Ann Pharmacother . 2000; 34:526–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 462. Fisher ML, Gottlieb SS, Plotnick GD, et al. . Beneficial effects of metoprolol in heart failure associated with coronary artery disease: a randomized trial. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1994; 23:943–50.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 463. Metra M, Nardi M, Giubbini R, et al. . Effects of short- and long-term carvedilol administration on rest and exercise hemodynamic variables, exercise capacity and clinical conditions in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1994; 24:1678–87.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 464. Olsen SL, Gilbert EM, Renlund DG, et al. . Carvedilol improves left ventricular function and symptoms in chronic heart failure: a double-blind randomized study. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1995; 25:1225–31.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 465. Krum H, Sackner-Bernstein JD, Goldsmith RL, et al. . Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the long-term efficacy of carvedilol in patients with severe chronic heart failure. Circulation . 1995; 92:1499–506.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 466. Waagstein F, Bristow MR, Swedberg K, et al. . Beneficial effects of metoprolol in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: Metoprolol in Dilated Cardiomyopathy (MDC) Trial Study Group. Lancet . 1993; 342:1441–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 467. The Cardiac Insufficiency Bisoprolol Study (CIBIS). CIBIS Investigators and Committees. A randomized trial of beta-blockade in heart failure. Circulation . 1994; 90:1765–73.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 468. Packer M, Colucci WS, Sackner-Bernstein JD, et al. . Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effects of carvedilol in patients with moderate to severe heart failure: the PRECISE Trial: Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Carvedilol on Symptoms and Exercise. Circulation . 1996; 94:2793–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 469. Colucci WS, Packer M, Bristow MR, et al. . Carvedilol inhibits clinical progression in patients with mild symptoms of heart failure: US Carvedilol Heart Failure Study Group. Circulation . 1996; 94:2800–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 470. Packer M, Bristow MR, Cohn JN, et al. . The effect of carvedilol on morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic heart failure: U.S. Carvedilol Heart Failure Study Group. N Engl J Med . 1996; 334:1349–55.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 471. Australia/New Zealand Heart Failure Research Collaborative Group.Randomised, placebo-controlled trial of carvedilol in patients with congestive heart failure due to ischaemic heart disease. Lancet . 1997; 349:375–80.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 472. van Veldhuisen DJ, Cohen-Solal A, Bohm M, et al. . Beta-blockade with nebivolol in elderly heart failure patients with impaired and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction: data from SENIORS (Study of Effects of Nebivolol Intervention on Outcomes and Rehospitalization in Seniors With Heart Failure). J Am Coll Cardiol . 2009; 53:2150–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 473. The NETWORK Investigators.Clinical outcome with enalapril in symptomatic chronic heart failure; a dose comparison. Eur Heart J . 1998; 19:481–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 474. Epstein SE, Braunwald E. The effect of beta adrenergic blockade on patterns of urinary sodium excretion: studies in normal subjects and in patients with heart disease. Ann Intern Med . 1966; 65:20–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 475. Weil JV, Chidsey CA. Plasma volume expansion resulting from interference with adrenergic function in normal man. Circulation . 1968; 37:54–61.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 476. Gattis WA, O'Connor CM, Gallup DS, et al. . Predischarge initiation of carvedilol in patients hospitalized for decompensated heart failure: results of the Initiation Management Predischarge: Process for Assessment of Carvedilol Therapy in Heart Failure (IMPACT-HF) trial. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2004; 43:1534–41.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 477. Waagstein F, Caidahl K, Wallentin I, et al. . Long-term beta-blockade in dilated cardiomyopathy: effects of short- and long-term metoprolol treatment followed by withdrawal and readministration of metoprolol. Circulation . 1989; 80:551–63.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 478. Vizzardi E, D'Aloia A, Giubbini R, et al. . Effect of spironolactone on left ventricular ejection fraction and volumes in patients with class I or II heart failure. Am J Cardiol . 2010; 106:1292–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 479. Juurlink DN, Mamdani MM, Lee DS, et al. . Rates of hyperkalemia after publication of the Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study. N Engl J Med . 2004; 351:543–51.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 480. Bozkurt B, Agoston I, Knowlton AA. Complications of inappropriate use of spironolactone in heart failure: when an old medicine spirals out of new guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2003; 41:211–4.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 481. Butler J, Ezekowitz JA, Collins SP, et al. . Update on aldosterone antagonists use in heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction: Heart Failure Society of America Guidelines Committee. J Card Fail . 2012; 18:265–81.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 482. Fonarow GC, Chelimsky-Fallick C, Stevenson LW, et al. . Effect of direct vasodilation with hydralazine versus angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition with captopril on mortality in advanced heart failure: the Hy-C trial. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1992; 19:842–50.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 483. Fonarow GC, Yancy CW, Hernandez AF, et al. . Potential impact of optimal implementation of evidence-based heart failure therapies on mortality. Am Heart J . 2011; 161:1024–30.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 484. The Digitalis Investigation Group. The effect of digoxin on mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure. N Engl J Med . 1997; 336:525–33.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 485. The Captopril-Digoxin Multicenter Research Group. Comparative effects of therapy with captopril and digoxin in patients with mild to moderate heart failure. JAMA . 1988; 259:539–44.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 486. Dobbs SM, Kenyon WI, Dobbs RJ. Maintenance digoxin after an episode of heart failure: placebo-controlled trial in outpatients. Br Med J . 1977; 1:749–52.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 487. Lee DC, Johnson RA, Bingham JB, et al. . Heart failure in outpatients: a randomized trial of digoxin versus placebo. N Engl J Med . 1982; 306:699–705.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 488. Guyatt GH, Sullivan MJ, Fallen EL, et al. . A controlled trial of digoxin in congestive heart failure. Am J Cardiol . 1988; 61:371–5.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 489. DiBianco R, Shabetai R, Kostuk W, et al. . A comparison of oral milrinone, digoxin, and their combination in the treatment of patients with chronic heart failure. N Engl J Med . 1989; 320:677–83.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 490. Uretsky BF, Young JB, Shahidi FE, et al. . Randomized study assessing the effect of digoxin withdrawal in patients with mild to moderate chronic congestive heart failure: results of the PROVED trial: PROVED Investigative Group. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1993; 22:955–62.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 491. Packer M, Gheorghiade M, Young JB, et al. . Withdrawal of digoxin from patients with chronic heart failure treated with angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors: RADIANCE Study. N Engl J Med . 1993; 329:1–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 492. Matsuda M, Matsuda Y, Yamagishi T, et al. . Effects of digoxin, propranolol, and verapamil on exercise in patients with chronic isolated atrial fibrillation. Cardiovasc Res . 1991; 25:453–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 493. David D, Segni ED, Klein HO, et al. . Inefficacy of digitalis in the control of heart rate in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation: beneficial effect of an added beta adrenergic blocking agent. Am J Cardiol . 1979; 44:1378–82.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 494. Farshi R, Kistner D, Sarma JS, et al. . Ventricular rate control in chronic atrial fibrillation during daily activity and programmed exercise: a crossover open-label study of five drug regimens. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1999; 33:304–10.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 495. Khand AU, Rankin AC, Martin W, et al. . Carvedilol alone or in combination with digoxin for the management of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure? J Am Coll Cardiol . 2003; 42:1944–51.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 496. Jelliffe RW, Brooker G. A nomogram for digoxin therapy. Am J Med . 1974; 57:63–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 497. Rathore SS, Curtis JP, Wang Y, et al. . Association of serum digoxin concentration and outcomes in patients with heart failure. JAMA . 2003; 289:871–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 498. Adams KF, Patterson JH, Gattis WA, et al. . Relationship of serum digoxin concentration to mortality and morbidity in women in the Digitalis Investigation Group trial: a retrospective analysis. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2005; 46:497–504.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 499. Steiner JF, Robbins LJ, Hammermeister KE, et al. . Incidence of digoxin toxicity in outpatients. West J Med . 1994; 161:474–8.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 500. Arnold SB, Byrd RC, Meister W, et al. . Long-term digitalis therapy improves left ventricular function in heart failure. N Engl J Med . 1980; 303:1443–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 501. Gheorghiade M, Hall VB, Jacobsen G, et al. . Effects of increasing maintenance dose of digoxin on left ventricular function and neurohormones in patients with chronic heart failure treated with diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Circulation . 1995; 92:1801–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 502. Slatton ML, Irani WN, Hall SA, et al. . Does digoxin provide additional hemodynamic and autonomic benefit at higher doses in patients with mild to moderate heart failure and normal sinus rhythm? J Am Coll Cardiol . 1997; 29:1206–13.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 503. Fogelman AM, La Mont JT, Finkelstein S, et al. . Fallibility of plasma-digoxin in differentiating toxic from non-toxic patients. Lancet . 1971; 2:727–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 504. Ingelfinger JA, Goldman P. The serum digitalis concentration: does it diagnose digitalis toxicity? N Engl J Med . 1976; 294:867–70.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 505. Juurlink DN, Mamdani M, Kopp A, et al. . Drug-drug interactions among elderly patients hospitalized for drug toxicity. JAMA . 2003; 289:1652–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 506. Hager WD, Fenster P, Mayersohn M, et al. . Digoxin-quinidine interaction: pharmacokinetic evaluation. N Engl J Med . 1979; 300:1238–41.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 507. Bizjak ED, Mauro VF. Digoxin-macrolide drug interaction. Ann Pharmacother . 1997; 31:1077–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 508. Granger CB, Alexander JH, McMurray JJ, et al. . Apixaban versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med . 2011; 365:981–92.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 509. Cairns JA, Connolly S, McMurtry S, et al. . Canadian Cardiovascular Society atrial fibrillation guidelines 2010: prevention of stroke and systemic thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation and flutter. Can J Cardiol . 2011; 27:74–90.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 510. Risk factors for stroke and efficacy of antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation: analysis of pooled data from five randomized controlled trials. Arch Intern Med . 1994; 154:1449–57. Erratum in: Arch Intern Med. 1994;154:2254.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 511. Hughes M, Lip GY. Stroke and thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation: a systematic review of stroke risk factors, risk stratification schema and cost effectiveness data. Thromb Haemost . 2008; 99:295–304.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 512. Connolly SJ, Ezekowitz MD, Yusuf S, et al. . Dabigatran versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med . 2009; 361:1139–51.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 513. Connolly SJ, Ezekowitz MD, Yusuf S, et al. . Newly identified events in the RE-LY trial. N Engl J Med . 2010; 363:1875–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 514. Patel MR, Mahaffey KW, Garg J, et al. . Rivaroxaban versus warfarin in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med . 2011; 365:883–91.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 515. Dries DL, Rosenberg YD, Waclawiw MA, et al. . Ejection fraction and risk of thromboembolic events in patients with systolic dysfunction and sinus rhythm: evidence for gender differences in the studies of left ventricular dysfunction trials. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1997; 29:1074–80.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 516. Camm AJ, Kirchhof P, Lip GY, et al. . Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation: the Task Force for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Eur Heart J . 2010; 31:2369–429.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 517. Freudenberger RS, Hellkamp AS, Halperin JL, et al. . Risk of thromboembolism in heart failure: an analysis from the Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure Trial (SCD-HeFT). Circulation . 2007; 115:2637–41.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 518. Loh E, Sutton MS, Wun CC, et al. . Ventricular dysfunction and the risk of stroke after myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med . 1997; 336:251–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 519. Massie BM, Collins JF, Ammon SE, et al. . Randomized trial of warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel in patients with chronic heart failure: the Warfarin and Antiplatelet Therapy in Chronic Heart Failure (WATCH) trial. Circulation . 2009; 119:1616–24.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 520. Homma S, Thompson JL, Pullicino PM, et al. . Warfarin and aspirin in patients with heart failure and sinus rhythm. N Engl J Med . 2012; 366:1859–69.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 521. Fuster V, Gersh BJ, Giuliani ER, et al. . The natural history of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol . 1981; 47:525–31.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 522. Stratton JR, Nemanich JW, Johannessen KA, et al. . Fate of left ventricular thrombi in patients with remote myocardial infarction or idiopathic cardiomyopathy. Circulation . 1988; 78:1388–93.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 523. Jafri SM. Hypercoagulability in heart failure. Semin Thromb Hemost . 1997; 23:543–5.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 524. Dunkman WB, Johnson GR, Carson PE, et al. . Incidence of thromboembolic events in congestive heart failure: the V-HeFT VA Cooperative Studies Group. Circulation . 1993; 876 Suppl:VI94–101.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 525. Dunkman WB. Thromboembolism and antithrombotic therapy in congestive heart failure. J Cardiovasc Risk . 1995; 2:107–17.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 526. Cioffi G, Pozzoli M, Forni G, et al. . Systemic thromboembolism in chronic heart failure: a prospective study in 406 patients. Eur Heart J . 1996; 17:1381–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 527. Baker DW, Wright RF. Management of heart failure, IV: anticoagulation for patients with heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction. JAMA . 1994; 272:1614–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 528. Katz SD. Left ventricular thrombus and the incidence of thromboembolism in patients with congestive heart failure: can clinical factors identify patients at increased risk? J Cardiovasc Risk . 1995; 2:97–102.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 529. Al-Khadra AS, Salem DN, Rand WM, et al. . Warfarin anticoagulation and survival: a cohort analysis from the Studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1998; 31:749–53.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 530. Dries DL, Domanski MJ, Waclawiw MA, et al. . Effect of antithrombotic therapy on risk of sudden coronary death in patients with congestive heart failure. Am J Cardiol . 1997; 79:909–13.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 531. Lip GY, Nieuwlaat R, Pisters R, et al. . Refining clinical risk stratification for predicting stroke and thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation using a novel risk factor-based approach: the Euro Heart Survey on atrial fibrillation. Chest . 2010; 137:263–72.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 532. Lip GY, Gibbs CR. Antiplatelet agents versus control or anticoagulation for heart failure in sinus rhythm. Cochrane Database Syst Rev . 2001;(4):CD003333. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003333.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 533. Horwich TB, MacLellan WR, Fonarow GC. Statin therapy is associated with improved survival in ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2004; 43:642–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 534. Anker SD, Clark AL, Winkler R, et al. . Statin use and survival in patients with chronic heart failure: results from two observational studies with 5200 patients. Int J Cardiol . 2006; 112:234–42.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 535. Go AS, Lee WY, Yang J, et al. . Statin therapy and risks for death and hospitalization in chronic heart failure. JAMA . 2006; 296:2105–11.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 536. Foody JM, Shah R, Galusha D, et al. . Statins and mortality among elderly patients hospitalized with heart failure. Circulation . 2006; 113:1086–92.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 537. Kjekshus J, Apetrei E, Barrios V, et al. . Rosuvastatin in older patients with systolic heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2007; 357:2248–61.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 538. Tavazzi L, Maggioni AP, Marchioli R, et al. . Effect of rosuvastatin in patients with chronic heart failure (the GISSI-HF trial): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet . 2008; 372:1231–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 539. Macchia A, Levantesi G, Franzosi MG, et al. . Left ventricular systolic dysfunction, total mortality, and sudden death in patients with myocardial infarction treated with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Eur J Heart Fail . 2005; 7:904–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 540. Tavazzi L, Maggioni AP, Marchioli R, et al. . Effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with chronic heart failure (the GISSI-HF trial): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet . 2008; 372:1223–30.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 541. Lavie CJ, Milani RV, Mehra MR, et al. . Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cardiovascular diseases. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2009; 54:585–94.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 542. Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto miocardico.Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E after myocardial infarction: results of the GISSI-Prevenzione trial. Lancet . 1999; 354:447–55.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 543. Nodari S, Triggiani M, Campia U, et al. . Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on left ventricular function and functional capacity in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2011; 57:870–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 544. McMurray JJ, Dunselman P, Wedel H, et al. . Coenzyme Q10, rosuvastatin, and clinical outcomes in heart failure: a pre-specified substudy of CORONA (Controlled Rosuvastatin Multinational Study in Heart Failure). J Am Coll Cardiol . 2010; 56:1196–204.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 545. Soukoulis V, Dihu JB, Sole M, et al. . Micronutrient deficiencies an unmet need in heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2009; 54:1660–73.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 546. Effect of verapamil on mortality and major events after acute myocardial infarction (the Danish Verapamil Infarction Trial II–DAVIT II). Am J Cardiol . 1990; 66:779–85.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 547. Goldstein RE, Boccuzzi SJ, Cruess D, et al. . Diltiazem increases late-onset congestive heart failure in postinfarction patients with early reduction in ejection fraction: the Adverse Experience Committee; and the Multicenter Diltiazem Postinfarction Research Group. Circulation . 1991; 83:52–60.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 548. Waldo AL, Camm AJ, deRuyter H, et al. . Effect of d-sotalol on mortality in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after recent and remote myocardial infarction: the SWORD Investigators: Survival With Oral d-Sotalol. Lancet . 1996; 348:7–12.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 549. Kober L, Torp-Pedersen C, McMurray JJ, et al. . Increased mortality after dronedarone therapy for severe heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2008; 358:2678–87.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 550. The Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST) Investigators.Preliminary report: effect of encainide and flecainide on mortality in a randomized trial of arrhythmia suppression after myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med . 1989; 321:406–12.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 551. The Multicenter Diltiazem Postinfarction Trial Research Group.The effect of diltiazem on mortality and reinfarction after myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med . 1988; 319:385–92.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 552. Figulla HR, Gietzen F, Zeymer U, et al. . Diltiazem improves cardiac function and exercise capacity in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: results of the Diltiazem in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Trial. Circulation . 1996; 94:346–52.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 553. Elkayam U, Amin J, Mehra A, et al. . A prospective, randomized, double-blind, crossover study to compare the efficacy and safety of chronic nifedipine therapy with that of isosorbide dinitrate and their combination in the treatment of chronic congestive heart failure. Circulation . 1990; 82:1954–61.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 554. Gislason GH, Rasmussen JN, Abildstrom SZ, et al. . Increased mortality and cardiovascular morbidity associated with use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in chronic heart failure. Arch Intern Med . 2009; 169:141–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 555. Heerdink ER, Leufkens HG, Herings RM, et al. . NSAIDs associated with increased risk of congestive heart failure in elderly patients taking diuretics. Arch Intern Med . 1998; 158:1108–12.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 556. Hudson M, Richard H, Pilote L. Differences in outcomes of patients with congestive heart failure prescribed celecoxib, rofecoxib, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: population based study. BMJ . 2005; 330:1370.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 557. Lipscombe LL, Gomes T, Levesque LE, et al. . Thiazolidinediones and cardiovascular outcomes in older patients with diabetes. JAMA . 2007; 298:2634–43.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 558. Azuma J, Sawamura A, Awata N. Usefulness of taurine in chronic congestive heart failure and its prospective application. Jpn Circ J . 1992; 56:95–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 559. Fazio S, Sabatini D, Capaldo B, et al. . A preliminary study of growth hormone in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med . 1996; 334:809–14.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 560. Ferrari R, De Giuli F. The propionyl-L-carnitine hypothesis: an alternative approach to treating heart failure. J Card Fail . 1997; 3:217–24.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 561. Ghatak A, Brar MJ, Agarwal A, et al. . Oxy free radical system in heart failure and therapeutic role of oral vitamin E. Int J Cardiol . 1996; 57:119–27.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 562. Hamilton MA, Stevenson LW. Thyroid hormone abnormalities in heart failure: possibilities for therapy. Thyroid . 1996; 6:527–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 563. Soja AM, Mortensen SA. Treatment of congestive heart failure with coenzyme Q10 illuminated by meta-analyses of clinical trials. Mol Aspects Med . 1997;18 Suppl:S159–68.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 564. Toma M, McAlister FA, Coglianese EE, et al. . Testosterone supplementation in heart failure: a meta-analysis. Circ Heart Fail . 2012; 5:315–21.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 565. Morris CD, Carson S. Routine vitamin supplementation to prevent cardiovascular disease: a summary of the evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med . 2003; 139:56–70.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 566. Hofman-Bang C, Rehnqvist N, Swedberg K, et al. . Coenzyme Q10 as an adjunctive in the treatment of chronic congestive heart failure: the Q10 Study Group. J Card Fail . 1995; 1:101–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 567. Watson PS, Scalia GM, Galbraith A, et al. . Lack of effect of coenzyme Q on left ventricular function in patients with congestive heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1999; 33:1549–52.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 568. Baggio E, Gandini R, Plancher AC, et al. . Italian multicenter study on the safety and efficacy of coenzyme Q10 as adjunctive therapy in heart failure: CoQ10 Drug Surveillance Investigators. Mol Aspects Med . 1994;15 Suppl:s287–94.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 569. Miller KL, Liebowitz RS, Newby LK. Complementary and alternative medicine in cardiovascular disease: a review of biologically based approaches. Am Heart J . 2004; 147:401–11.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 570. Doval HC, Nul DR, Grancelli HO, et al. . Randomised trial of low-dose amiodarone in severe congestive heart failure: Grupo de Estudio de la Sobrevida en la Insuficiencia Cardiaca en Argentina (GESICA). Lancet . 1994; 344:493–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 571. Singh SN, Fletcher RD, Fisher SG, et al. . Amiodarone in patients with congestive heart failure and asymptomatic ventricular arrhythmia: Survival Trial of Antiarrhythmic Therapy in Congestive Heart Failure. N Engl J Med . 1995; 333:77–82.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 572. Torp-Pedersen C, Moller M, Bloch-Thomsen PE, et al. . Dofetilide in patients with congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction: Danish Investigations of Arrhythmia and Mortality on Dofetilide Study Group. N Engl J Med . 1999; 341:857–65.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 573. Kober L, Bloch Thomsen PE, Moller M, et al. . Effect of dofetilide in patients with recent myocardial infarction and left-ventricular dysfunction: a randomised trial. Lancet . 2000; 356:2052–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 574. Setaro JF, Zaret BL, Schulman DS, et al. . Usefulness of verapamil for congestive heart failure associated with abnormal left ventricular diastolic filling and normal left ventricular systolic performance. Am J Cardiol . 1990; 66:981–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 575. Packer M, O'Connor CM, Ghali JK, et al. . Effect of amlodipine on morbidity and mortality in severe chronic heart failure: Prospective Randomized Amlodipine Survival Evaluation Study Group. N Engl J Med . 1996; 335:1107–14.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 576. Cohn JN, Ziesche S, Smith R, et al. . Effect of the calcium antagonist felodipine as supplementary vasodilator therapy in patients with chronic heart failure treated with enalapril: V-HeFT III. Vasodilator-Heart Failure Trial (V-HeFT) Study Group. Circulation . 1997; 96:856–63.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 577. Littler WA, Sheridan DJ. Placebo controlled trial of felodipine in patients with mild to moderate heart failure: UK Study Group. Br Heart J . 1995; 73:428–33.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 578. Udelson JE, DeAbate CA, Berk M, et al. . Effects of amlodipine on exercise tolerance, quality of life, and left ventricular function in patients with heart failure from left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Am Heart J . 2000; 139:503–10.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 579. Thackray S, Witte K, Clark AL, et al. . Clinical trials update: OPTIME-CHF, PRAISE-2, ALL-HAT. Eur J Heart Fail . 2000; 2:209–12.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 580. Page J, Henry D. Consumption of NSAIDs and the development of congestive heart failure in elderly patients: an underrecognized public health problem. Arch Intern Med . 2000; 160:777–84.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 581. Feenstra J, Heerdink ER, Grobbee DE, et al. . Association of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with first occurrence of heart failure and with relapsing heart failure: the Rotterdam Study. Arch Intern Med . 2002; 162:265–70.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 582. Mamdani M, Juurlink DN, Lee DS, et al. . Cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors versus non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and congestive heart failure outcomes in elderly patients: a population-based cohort study. Lancet . 2004; 363:1751–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 583. Delea TE, Edelsberg JS, Hagiwara M, et al. . Use of thiazolidinediones and risk of heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study. Diabetes Care . 2003; 26:2983–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 584. Dargie HJ, Hildebrandt PR, Riegger GA, et al. . A randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessing the effects of rosiglitazone on echocardiographic function and cardiac status in type 2 diabetic patients with New York Heart Association functional class I or II heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2007; 49:1696–704.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 585. Lago RM, Singh PP, Nesto RW. Congestive heart failure and cardiovascular death in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes given thiazolidinediones: a meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Lancet . 2007; 370:1129–36.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 586. Home PD, Pocock SJ, Beck-Nielsen H, et al. . Rosiglitazone evaluated for cardiovascular outcomes in oral agent combination therapy for type 2 diabetes (RECORD): a multicentre, randomised, open-label trial. Lancet . 2009; 373:2125–35.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 587. Giles TD, Elkayam U, Bhattacharya M, et al. . Comparison of pioglitazone vs glyburide in early heart failure: insights from a randomized controlled study of patients with type 2 diabetes and mild cardiac disease. Congest Heart Fail . 2010; 16:111–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 588. Komajda M, McMurray JJ, Beck-Nielsen H, et al. . Heart failure events with rosiglitazone in type 2 diabetes: data from the RECORD clinical trial. Eur Heart J . 2010; 31:824–31.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 589. Yusuf S, Pfeffer MA, Swedberg K, et al. . Effects of candesartan in patients with chronic heart failure and preserved left-ventricular ejection fraction: the CHARM-Preserved Trial. Lancet . 2003; 362:777–81.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 590. Edelmann F, Wachter R, Schmidt AG, et al. . Effect of spironolactone on diastolic function and exercise capacity in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: the Aldo-DHF randomized controlled trial. JAMA . 2013; 309:781–91.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 591. Piller LB, Baraniuk S, Simpson LM, et al. . Long-term follow-up of participants with heart failure in the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT). Circulation . 2011; 124:1811–8.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 592. Abraham WT, Adams KF, Fonarow GC, et al. . In-hospital mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure requiring intravenous vasoactive medications: an analysis from the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry (ADHERE). J Am Coll Cardiol . 2005; 46:57–64.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 593. Bardy GH, Lee KL, Mark DB, et al. . Amiodarone or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for congestive heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2005; 352:225–37.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 594. Abraham WT, Fisher WG, Smith AL, et al. . Cardiac resynchronization in chronic heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2002; 346:1845–53.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 595. Moss AJ, Hall WJ, Cannom DS, et al. . Cardiac-resynchronization therapy for the prevention of heart-failure events. N Engl J Med . 2009; 361:1329–38.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 596. Tang AS, Wells GA, Talajic M, et al. . Cardiac-resynchronization therapy for mild-to-moderate heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2010; 363:2385–95.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 597. Buxton AE, Lee KL, Fisher JD, et al. . A randomized study of the prevention of sudden death in patients with coronary artery disease: Multicenter Unsustained Tachycardia Trial Investigators. N Engl J Med . 1999; 341:1882–90.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 598. Hohnloser SH, Kuck KH, Dorian P, et al. . Prophylactic use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator after acute myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med . 2004; 351:2481–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 599. Linde C, Abraham WT, Gold MR, et al. . Randomized trial of cardiac resynchronization in mildly symptomatic heart failure patients and in asymptomatic patients with left ventricular dysfunction and previous heart failure symptoms. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2008; 52:1834–43.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 600. Brignole M, Gammage M, Puggioni E, et al. . Comparative assessment of right, left, and biventricular pacing in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J . 2005; 26:712–22.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 601. Brignole M, Botto G, Mont L, et al. . Cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients undergoing atrioventricular junction ablation for permanent atrial fibrillation: a randomized trial. Eur Heart J . 2011; 32:2420–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 602. Doshi RN, Daoud EG, Fellows C, et al. . Left ventricular-based cardiac stimulation post AV nodal ablation evaluation (the PAVE study). J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol . 2005; 16:1160–5.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 603. Gasparini M, Auricchio A, Regoli F, et al. . Four-year efficacy of cardiac resynchronization therapy on exercise tolerance and disease progression: the importance of performing atrioventricular junction ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2006; 48:734–43.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 604. Wilton SB, Leung AA, Ghali WA, et al. . Outcomes of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with versus those without atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Heart Rhythm . 2011; 8:1088–94.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 605. Upadhyay GA, Choudhry NK, Auricchio A, et al. . Cardiac resynchronization in patients with atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2008; 52:1239–46.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 606. Adelstein E, Schwartzman D, Gorcsan J, et al. . Predicting hyperresponse among pacemaker-dependent nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients upgraded to cardiac resynchronization. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol . 2011; 22:905–11.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 607. Vatankulu MA, Goktekin O, Kaya MG, et al. . Effect of long-term resynchronization therapy on left ventricular remodeling in pacemaker patients upgraded to biventricular devices. Am J Cardiol . 2009; 103:1280–4.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 608. Setoguchi S, Nohria A, Rassen JA, et al. . Maximum potential benefit of implantable defibrillators in preventing sudden death after hospital admission because of heart failure. CMAJ . 2009; 180:611–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 609. Carson P, Anand I, O'Connor C, et al. . Mode of death in advanced heart failure: the Comparison of Medical, Pacing, and Defibrillation Therapies in Heart Failure (COMPANION) trial. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2005; 46:2329–34.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 610. Zareba W, Piotrowicz K, McNitt S, et al. . Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator efficacy in patients with heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction (from the MADIT II population). Am J Cardiol . 2005; 95:1487–91.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 611. Mozaffarian D, Anker SD, Anand I, et al. . Prediction of mode of death in heart failure: the Seattle Heart Failure Model. Circulation . 2007; 116:392–8.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 612. Rickard J, Bassiouny M, Cronin EM, et al. . Predictors of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with a non-left bundle branch block morphology. Am J Cardiol . 2011; 108:1576–80.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 613. Deleted in press.Google Scholar
  • 614. Steinbeck G, Andresen D, Seidl K, et al. . Defibrillator implantation early after myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med . 2009; 361:1427–36.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 615. Sears SF, Hauf JD, Kirian K, et al. . Posttraumatic stress and the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patient: what the electrophysiologist needs to know. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol . 2011; 4:242–50.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 616. Al-Khatib SM, Greiner MA, Peterson ED, et al. . Patient and implanting physician factors associated with mortality and complications after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation, 2002–2005. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol . 2008; 1:240–9.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 617. Epstein AE, Kay GN, Plumb VJ, et al. . Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator prescription in the elderly. Heart Rhythm . 2009; 6:1136–43.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 618. Healey JS, Hallstrom AP, Kuck KH, et al. . Role of the implantable defibrillator among elderly patients with a history of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Eur Heart J . 2007; 28:1746–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 619. Santangeli P, Di Biase L, Dello Russo A, et al. . Meta-analysis: age and effectiveness of prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Ann Intern Med . 2010; 153:592–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 620. Stevenson LW, Desai AS. Selecting patients for discussion of the ICD as primary prevention for sudden death in heart failure. J Card Fail . 2006; 12:407–12.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 621. Lampert R, Hayes DL, Annas GJ, et al. . HRS expert consensus statement on the management of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in patients nearing end of life or requesting withdrawal of therapy. Heart Rhythm . 2010; 7:1008–26.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 622. Young JB, Abraham WT, Smith AL, et al. . Combined cardiac resynchronization and implantable cardioversion defibrillation in advanced chronic heart failure: the MIRACLE ICD Trial. JAMA . 2003; 289:2685–94.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 623. Saxon LA, Ellenbogen KA. Resynchronization therapy for the treatment of heart failure. Circulation . 2003; 108:1044–8.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 624. Sipahi I, Carrigan TP, Rowland DY, et al. . Impact of QRS duration on clinical event reduction with cardiac resynchronization therapy: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Intern Med . 2011; 171:1454–62.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 625. Stavrakis S, Lazzara R, Thadani U. The benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy and QRS duration: a meta-analysis. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol . 2012; 23:163–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 626. Bilchick KC, Kamath S, DiMarco JP, et al. . Bundle-branch block morphology and other predictors of outcome after cardiac resynchronization therapy in Medicare patients. Circulation . 2010; 122:2022–30.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 627. Adelstein EC, Saba S. Usefulness of baseline electrocardiographic QRS complex pattern to predict response to cardiac resynchronization. Am J Cardiol . 2009; 103:238–42.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 628. Rickard J, Kumbhani DJ, Gorodeski EZ, et al. . Cardiac resynchronization therapy in non-left bundle branch block morphologies. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol . 2010; 33:590–5.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 629. Sharma A, Heist EK. The utility of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation.J Innovations Cardiac Rhythm Manage.2012;621–6.Google Scholar
  • 630. Daubert C, Gold MR, Abraham WT, et al. . Prevention of disease progression by cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic left ventricular dysfunction: insights from the European cohort of the REVERSE (Resynchronization Reverses Remodeling in Systolic Left Ventricular Dysfunction) trial. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2009; 54:1837–46.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 631. Santangeli P, Di Biase L, Pelargonio G, et al. . Cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with mild heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Interv Card Electrophysiol . 2011; 32:125–35.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 632. Barsheshet A, Wang PJ, Moss AJ, et al. . Reverse remodeling and the risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in the MADIT-CRT (Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial-Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy). J Am Coll Cardiol . 2011; 57:2416–23.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 633. Tang AS, Wells GA, Arnold M, et al. . Resynchronization/defibrillation for ambulatory heart failure trial: rationale and trial design. Curr Opin Cardiol . 2009; 24:1–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 634. Deleted in press.Google Scholar
  • 635. University of Alabama Birmingham. INTERMACS manual of operations version 2.3: user's guide .Birmingham, Ala: University of Alabama; 2008.Google Scholar
  • 636. Ambardekar AV, Fonarow GC, Hernandez AF, et al. . Characteristics and in-hospital outcomes for nonadherent patients with heart failure: findings from Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure (GWTG-HF). Am Heart J . 2009; 158:644–52.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 637. Kripalani S, Yao X, Haynes RB. Interventions to enhance medication adherence in chronic medical conditions: a systematic review. Arch Intern Med . 2007; 167:540–50.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 638. Wu JR, Moser DK, Lennie TA, et al. . Medication adherence in patients who have heart failure: a review of the literature. Nurs Clin North Am . 2008; 43:133–53.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 639. Bagchi AD, Esposito D, Kim M, et al. . Utilization of, and adherence to, drug therapy among Medicaid beneficiaries with congestive heart failure. Clin Ther . 2007; 29:1771–83.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 640. Neily JB, Toto KH, Gardner EB, et al. . Potential contributing factors to noncompliance with dietary sodium restriction in patients with heart failure. Am Heart J . 2002; 143:29–33.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 641. van der Wal MH, van Veldhuisen DJ, Veeger NJ, et al. . Compliance with non-pharmacological recommendations and outcome in heart failure patients. Eur Heart J . 2010; 31:1486–93.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 642. Russell SD, Miller LW, Pagani FD. Advanced heart failure: a call to action. Congest Heart Fail . 2008; 14:316–21.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 643. Stevenson LW, Pagani FD, Young JB, et al. . INTERMACS profiles of advanced heart failure: the current picture. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2009; 28:535–41.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 644. Travers B, O'Loughlin C, Murphy NF, et al. . Fluid restriction in the management of decompensated heart failure: no impact on time to clinical stability. J Card Fail . 2007; 13:128–32.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 645. Gheorghiade M, Abraham WT, Albert NM, et al. . Relationship between admission serum sodium concentration and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized for heart failure: an analysis from the OPTIMIZE-HF registry. Eur Heart J . 2007; 28:980–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 646. Klein L, O'Connor CM, Leimberger JD, et al. . Lower serum sodium is associated with increased short-term mortality in hospitalized patients with worsening heart failure: results from the Outcomes of a Prospective Trial of Intravenous Milrinone for Exacerbations of Chronic Heart Failure (OPTIME-CHF) study. Circulation . 2005; 111:2454–60.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 647. Aranda JM, Schofield RS, Pauly DF, et al. . Comparison of dobutamine versus milrinone therapy in hospitalized patients awaiting cardiac transplantation: a prospective, randomized trial. Am Heart J . 2003; 145:324–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 648. Brozena SC, Twomey C, Goldberg LR, et al. . A prospective study of continuous intravenous milrinone therapy for status IB patients awaiting heart transplant at home. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2004; 23:1082–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 649. Cuffe MS, Califf RM, Adams KF, et al. . Short-term intravenous milrinone for acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA . 2002; 287:1541–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 650. Elkayam U, Tasissa G, Binanay C, et al. . Use and impact of inotropes and vasodilator therapy in hospitalized patients with severe heart failure. Am Heart J . 2007; 153:98–104.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 651. O'Connor CM, Gattis WA, Uretsky BF, et al. . Continuous intravenous dobutamine is associated with an increased risk of death in patients with advanced heart failure: insights from the Flolan International Randomized Survival Trial (FIRST). Am Heart J . 1999; 138:78–86.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 652. Hershberger RE, Nauman D, Walker TL, et al. . Care processes and clinical outcomes of continuous outpatient support with inotropes (COSI) in patients with refractory endstage heart failure. J Card Fail . 2003; 9:180–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 653. Gorodeski EZ, Chu EC, Reese JR, et al. . Prognosis on chronic dobutamine or milrinone infusions for stage D heart failure. Circ Heart Fail . 2009; 2:320–4.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 654. Cohn JN, Goldstein SO, Greenberg BH, et al. ; Vesnarinone Trial Investigators. A dose-dependent increase in mortality with vesnarinone among patients with severe heart failure. N Engl J Med . 1998; 339:1810–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 655. Hampton JR, van Veldhuisen DJ, Kleber FX, et al. . Randomised study of effect of ibopamine on survival in patients with advanced severe heart failure: Second Prospective Randomised Study of Ibopamine on Mortality and Efficacy (PRIME II) Investigators. Lancet . 1997; 349:971–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 656. Lubsen J, Just H, Hjalmarsson AC, et al. . Effect of pimobendan on exercise capacity in patients with heart failure: main results from the Pimobendan in Congestive Heart Failure (PICO) trial. Heart . 1996; 76:223–31.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 657. Packer M, Carver JR, Rodeheffer RJ, et al. ; the PROMISE Study Research Group. Effect of oral milrinone on mortality in severe chronic heart failure. N Engl J Med . 1991; 325:1468–75.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 658. Metra M, Eichhorn E, Abraham WT, et al. . Effects of low-dose oral enoximone administration on mortality, morbidity, and exercise capacity in patients with advanced heart failure: the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group ESSENTIAL trials. Eur Heart J . 2009; 30:3015–26.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 659. Oliva F, Latini R, Politi A, et al. . Intermittent 6-month low-dose dobutamine infusion in severe heart failure: DICE multicenter trial. Am Heart J . 1999; 138:247–53.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 660. Pagani FD, Miller LW, Russell SD, et al. . Extended mechanical circulatory support with a continuous-flow rotary left ventricular assist device. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2009; 54:312–21.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 661. Alba AC, Rao V, Ross HJ, et al. . Impact of fixed pulmonary hypertension on post-heart transplant outcomes in bridge-to-transplant patients. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2010; 29:1253–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 662. Elhenawy AM, Algarni KD, Rodger M, et al. . Mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to transplant candidacy. J Card Surg . 2011; 26:542–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 663. Nair PK, Kormos RL, Teuteberg JJ, et al. . Pulsatile left ventricular assist device support as a bridge to decision in patients with end-stage heart failure complicated by pulmonary hypertension. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2010; 29:201–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 664. Miller LW, Pagani FD, Russell SD, et al. . Use of a continuous-flow device in patients awaiting heart transplantation. N Engl J Med . 2007; 357:885–96.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 665. Lahpor J, Khaghani A, Hetzer R, et al. . European results with a continuous-flow ventricular assist device for advanced heart-failure patients. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg . 2010; 37:357–61.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 666. Starling RC, Naka Y, Boyle AJ, et al. . Results of the post-U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approval study with a continuous flow left ventricular assist device as a bridge to heart transplantation: a prospective study using the INTERMACS (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support). J Am Coll Cardiol . 2011; 57:1890–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 667. Grady KL, Meyer PM, Dressler D, et al. . Longitudinal change in quality of life and impact on survival after left ventricular assist device implantation. Ann Thorac Surg . 2004; 77:1321–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 668. Burkhoff D, Cohen H, Brunckhorst C, et al. . A randomized multicenter clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the TandemHeart percutaneous ventricular assist device versus conventional therapy with intraaortic balloon pumping for treatment of cardiogenic shock. Am Heart J . 2006; 152:469–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 669. Greenberg B, Czerska B, Delgado RM, et al. . Effects of continuous aortic flow augmentation in patients with exacerbation of heart failure inadequately responsive to medical therapy: results of the Multicenter Trial of the Orqis Medical Cancion System for the Enhanced Treatment of Heart Failure Unresponsive to Medical Therapy (MOMENTUM). Circulation . 2008; 118:1241–9.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 670. Seyfarth M, Sibbing D, Bauer I, et al. . A randomized clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a percutaneous left ventricular assist device versus intra-aortic balloon pumping for treatment of cardiogenic shock caused by myocardial infarction. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2008; 52:1584–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 671. Thiele H, Sick P, Boudriot E, et al. . Randomized comparison of intra-aortic balloon support with a percutaneous left ventricular assist device in patients with revascularized acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. Eur Heart J . 2005; 26:1276–83.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 672. Rose EA, Gelijns AC, Moskowitz AJ, et al. . Long-term use of a left ventricular assist device for end-stage heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2001; 345:1435–43.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 673. Stevenson LW, Miller LW, Desvigne-Nickens P, et al. . Left ventricular assist device as destination for patients undergoing intravenous inotropic therapy: a subset analysis from REMATCH (Randomized Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance in Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure). Circulation . 2004; 110:975–81.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 674. Rogers JG, Butler J, Lansman SL, et al. . Chronic mechanical circulatory support for inotrope-dependent heart failure patients who are not transplant candidates: results of the INTrEPID Trial. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2007; 50:741–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 675. Slaughter MS, Rogers JG, Milano CA, et al. . Advanced heart failure treated with continuous-flow left ventricular assist device. N Engl J Med . 2009; 361:2241–51.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 676. Liotta D, Crawford ES, Cooley DA, et al. . Prolonged partial left ventricular bypass by means of an intrathoracic pump implanted in the left chest. Trans Am Soc Artif Intern Organs . 1962; 8:90–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 677. Holman WL, Kormos RL, Naftel DC, et al. . Predictors of death and transplant in patients with a mechanical circulatory support device: a multi-institutional study. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2009; 28:44–50.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 678. Hall JL, Fermin DR, Birks EJ, et al. . Clinical, molecular, and genomic changes in response to a left ventricular assist device. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2011; 57:641–52.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 679. Kato TS, Chokshi A, Singh P, et al. . Effects of continuous-flow versus pulsatile-flow left ventricular assist devices on myocardial unloading and remodeling. Circ Heart Fail . 2011; 4:546–53.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 680. Mehra MR, Kobashigawa J, Starling R, et al. . Listing criteria for heart transplantation: International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation guidelines for the care of cardiac transplant candidates–2006. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2006; 25:1024–42.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 681. Stehlik J, Edwards LB, Kucheryavaya AY, et al. . The Registry of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation: Twenty-eighth Adult Heart Transplant Report–2011. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2011; 30:1078–94.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 682. Grady KL, Jalowiec A, White-Williams C. Improvement in quality of life in patients with heart failure who undergo transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant . 1996; 15:749–57.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 683. Grady KL, Jalowiec A, White-Williams C. Predictors of quality of life in patients at one year after heart transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant . 1999; 18:202–10.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 684. Grady KL, Naftel DC, Young JB, et al. . Patterns and predictors of physical functional disability at 5 to 10 years after heart transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2007; 26:1182–91.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 685. Habedank D, Ewert R, Hummel M, et al. . Changes in exercise capacity, ventilation, and body weight following heart transplantation. Eur J Heart Fail . 2007; 9:310–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 686. Kobashigawa JA, Leaf DA, Lee N, et al. . A controlled trial of exercise rehabilitation after heart transplantation. N Engl J Med . 1999; 340:272–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 687. Salyer J, Flattery MP, Joyner PL, et al. . Lifestyle and quality of life in long-term cardiac transplant recipients. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2003; 22:309–21.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 688. Grady KL, Naftel DC, Kobashigawa J, et al. . Patterns and predictors of quality of life at 5 to 10 years after heart transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2007; 26:535–43.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 689. Deng MC, De Meester JM, Smits JM, et al. . Effect of receiving a heart transplant: analysis of a national cohort entered on to a waiting list, stratified by heart failure severity: Comparative Outcome and Clinical Profiles in Transplantation (COCPIT) Study Group. BMJ . 2000; 321:540–5.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 690. Arena R, Myers J, Aslam SS, et al. . Peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope in patients with heart failure: a prognostic comparison. Am Heart J . 2004; 147:354–60.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 691. Butler J, Khadim G, Paul KM, et al. . Selection of patients for heart transplantation in the current era of heart failure therapy. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2004; 43:787–93.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 692. Chase P, Arena R, Guazzi M, et al. . Prognostic usefulness of the functional aerobic reserve in patients with heart failure. Am Heart J . 2010; 160:922–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 693. Ferreira AM, Tabet JY, Frankenstein L, et al. . Ventilatory efficiency and the selection of patients for heart transplantation. Circ Heart Fail . 2010; 3:378–86.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 694. Goda A, Lund LH, Mancini D. The Heart Failure Survival Score outperforms the peak oxygen consumption for heart transplantation selection in the era of device therapy. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2011; 30:315–25.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 695. Lund LH, Aaronson KD, Mancini DM. Predicting survival in ambulatory patients with severe heart failure on beta-blocker therapy. Am J Cardiol . 2003; 92:1350–4.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 696. Mancini DM, Eisen H, Kussmaul W, et al. . Value of peak exercise oxygen consumption for optimal timing of cardiac transplantation in ambulatory patients with heart failure. Circulation . 1991; 83:778–86.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 697. Klotz S, Deng MC, Hanafy D, et al. . Reversible pulmonary hypertension in heart transplant candidates: pretransplant evaluation and outcome after orthotopic heart transplantation. Eur J Heart Fail . 2003; 5:645–53.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 698. Maron MS, Kalsmith BM, Udelson JE, et al. . Survival after cardiac transplantation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Circ Heart Fail . 2010; 3:574–9.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 699. Rasmusson KD, Stehlik J, Brown RN, et al. . Long-term outcomes of cardiac transplantation for peri-partum cardiomyopathy: a multiinstitutional analysis. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2007; 26:1097–104.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 700. Zangwill SD, Naftel D, L'Ecuyer T, et al. . Outcomes of children with restrictive cardiomyopathy listed for heart transplant: a multi-institutional study. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2009; 28:1335–40.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 701. Zaidi AR, Zaidi A, Vaitkus PT. Outcome of heart transplantation in patients with sarcoid cardiomyopathy. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2007; 26:714–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 702. Wu RS, Gupta S, Brown RN, et al. . Clinical outcomes after cardiac transplantation in muscular dystrophy patients. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2010; 29:432–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 703. Fang J, Mensah GA, Croft JB, et al. . Heart failure-related hospitalization in the U.S., 1979 to 2004. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2008; 52:428–34.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 704. Kociol RD, Hammill BG, Fonarow GC, et al. . Generalizability and longitudinal outcomes of a national heart failure clinical registry: Comparison of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry (ADHERE) and non-ADHERE Medicare beneficiaries. Am Heart J . 2010; 160:885–92.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 705. Weintraub NL, Collins SP, Pang PS, et al. . Acute heart failure syndromes: emergency department presentation, treatment, and disposition: current approaches and future aims: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation . 2010; 122:1975–96.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 706. Fonarow GC, Heywood JT, Heidenreich PA, et al. . Temporal trends in clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes for heart failure hospitalizations, 2002 to 2004: findings from Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry (ADHERE). Am Heart J . 2007; 153:1021–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 707. West R, Liang L, Fonarow GC, et al. . Characterization of heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction: a comparison between ADHERE-US registry and ADHERE-International registry. Eur J Heart Fail . 2011; 13:945–52.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 708. Baggish AL, van K R, Bayes-Genis A, et al. . Hemoglobin and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide: independent and synergistic predictors of mortality in patients with acute heart failure: results from the International Collaborative of NT-proBNP (ICON) Study. Clin Chim Acta . 2007; 381:145–50.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 709. Gheorghiade M, Rossi JS, Cotts W, et al. . Characterization and prognostic value of persistent hyponatremia in patients with severe heart failure in the ESCAPE Trial. Arch Intern Med . 2007; 167:1998–2005.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 710. Heywood JT, Fonarow GC, Costanzo MR, et al. . High prevalence of renal dysfunction and its impact on outcome in 118,465 patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure: a report from the ADHERE database. J Card Fail . 2007; 13:422–30.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 711. Mohammed AA, van Kimmenade RR, Richards M, et al. . Hyponatremia, natriuretic peptides, and outcomes in acutely decompensated heart failure: results from the International Collaborative of NT-proBNP Study. Circ Heart Fail . 2010; 3:354–61.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 712. van Kimmenade RR, Januzzi JL, Baggish AL, et al. . Amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic Peptide, renal function, and outcomes in acute heart failure: redefining the cardiorenal interaction? J Am Coll Cardiol . 2006; 48:1621–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 713. van Kimmenade RR, Mohammed AA, Uthamalingam S, et al. . Red blood cell distribution width and 1-year mortality in acute heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail . 2010; 12:129–36.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 714. Sweitzer NK, Lopatin M, Yancy CW, et al. . Comparison of clinical features and outcomes of patients hospitalized with heart failure and normal ejection fraction (> or =55%) versus those with mildly reduced (40% to 55%) and moderately to severely reduced (<40%) fractions. Am J Cardiol . 2008; 101:1151–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 715. Yancy CW, Lopatin M, Stevenson LW, et al. . Clinical presentation, management, and in-hospital outcomes of patients admitted with acute decompensated heart failure with preserved systolic function: a report from the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry (ADHERE) Database. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2006; 47:76–84.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 716. Nohria A, Lewis E, Stevenson LW. Medical management of advanced heart failure. JAMA . 2002; 287:628–40.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 717. Martinez-Rumayor AA, Vazquez J, Rehman SU, et al. . Relative value of amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide testing and radiographic standards for the diagnostic evaluation of heart failure in acutely dyspneic subjects. Biomarkers . 2010; 15:175–82.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 718. Januzzi JL, Camargo CA, Anwaruddin S, et al. . The N-terminal Pro-BNP investigation of dyspnea in the emergency department (PRIDE) study. Am J Cardiol . 2005; 95:948–54.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 719. Januzzi JL, van Kimmenade R, Lainchbury J, et al. . NT-proBNP testing for diagnosis and short-term prognosis in acute destabilized heart failure: an international pooled analysis of 1256 patients: the International Collaborative of NT-proBNP Study. Eur Heart J . 2006; 27:330–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 720. Green SM, Martinez-Rumayor A, Gregory SA, et al. . Clinical uncertainty, diagnostic accuracy, and outcomes in emergency department patients presenting with dyspnea. Arch Intern Med . 2008; 168:741–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 721. McCullough PA, Nowak RM, McCord J, et al. . B-type natriuretic peptide and clinical judgment in emergency diagnosis of heart failure: analysis from Breathing Not Properly (BNP) Multinational Study. Circulation . 2002; 106:416–22.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 722. Steinhart B, Thorpe KE, Bayoumi AM, et al. . Improving the diagnosis of acute heart failure using a validated prediction model. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2009; 54:1515–21.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 723. Collins SP, Peacock WF, Lindsell CJ, et al. . S3 detection as a diagnostic and prognostic aid in emergency department patients with acute dyspnea. Ann Emerg Med . 2009; 53:748–57.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 724. Di Somma S, De Berardinis B, Bongiovanni C, et al. . Use of BNP and bioimpedance to drive therapy in heart failure patients. Congest Heart Fail . 2010; 16Suppl 1:S56–61.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 725. Cotter G, Moshkovitz Y, Kaluski E, et al. . Accurate, noninvasive continuous monitoring of cardiac output by whole-body electrical bioimpedance. Chest . 2004; 125:1431–40.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 726. Flaherty JD, Bax JJ, De Luca L, et al. . Acute heart failure syndromes in patients with coronary artery disease early assessment and treatment. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2009; 53:254–63.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 727. Kociol RD, Pang PS, Gheorghiade M, et al. . Troponin elevation in heart failure prevalence, mechanisms, and clinical implications. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2010; 56:1071–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 728. Latini R, Masson S, Anand IS, et al. . Prognostic value of very low plasma concentrations of troponin T in patients with stable chronic heart failure. Circulation . 2007; 116:1242–9.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 729. Peacock WF, Hollander JE, Diercks DB, et al. . Morphine and outcomes in acute decompensated heart failure: an ADHERE analysis. Emerg Med J . 2008; 25:205–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 730. Fonarow GC, Abraham WT, Albert NM, et al. . Factors identified as precipitating hospital admissions for heart failure and clinical outcomes: findings from OPTIMIZE-HF. Arch Intern Med . 2008; 168:847–54.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 731. Gheorghiade M, Abraham WT, Albert NM, et al. . Systolic blood pressure at admission, clinical characteristics, and outcomes in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure. JAMA . 2006; 296:2217–26.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 732. Zanotti-Cavazzoni SL, Hollenberg SM. Cardiac dysfunction in severe sepsis and septic shock. Curr Opin Crit Care . 2009; 15:392–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 733. Klemperer JD, Ojamaa K, Klein I. Thyroid hormone therapy in cardiovascular disease. Prog Cardiovasc Dis . 1996; 38:329–36.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 734. Granger BB, Swedberg K, Ekman I, et al. . Adherence to candesartan and placebo and outcomes in chronic heart failure in the CHARM programme: double-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial. Lancet . 2005; 366:2005–11.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 735. Metra M, Torp-Pedersen C, Cleland JG, et al. . Should beta-blocker therapy be reduced or withdrawn after an episode of decompensated heart failure? Results from COMET. Eur J Heart Fail . 2007; 9:901–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 736. Butler J, Young JB, Abraham WT, et al. . Beta-blocker use and outcomes among hospitalized heart failure patients. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2006; 47:2462–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 737. Maisel AS, Peacock WF, McMullin N, et al. . Timing of immunoreactive B-type natriuretic peptide levels and treatment delay in acute decompensated heart failure: an ADHERE (Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry) analysis. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2008; 52:534–40.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 738. Peacock WF, Fonarow GC, Emerman CL, et al. . Impact of early initiation of intravenous therapy for acute decompensated heart failure on outcomes in ADHERE. Cardiology . 2007; 107:44–51.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 739. Felker GM, Lee KL, Bull DA, et al. . Diuretic strategies in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2011; 364:797–805.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 740. Grosskopf I, Rabinovitz M, Rosenfeld JB. Combination of furosemide and metolazone in the treatment of severe congestive heart failure. Isr J Med Sci . 1986; 22:787–90.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 741. Channer KS, McLean KA, Lawson-Matthew P, et al. . Combination diuretic treatment in severe heart failure: a randomised controlled trial. Br Heart J . 1994; 71:146–50.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 742. Sigurd B, Olesen KH, Wennevold A. The supra-additive natriuretic effect addition of bendroflumethiazide and bumetanide in congestive heart failure: permutation trial tests in patients in long-term treatment with bumetanide. Am Heart J . 1975; 89:163–70.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 743. Rosenberg J, Gustafsson F, Galatius S, et al. . Combination therapy with metolazone and loop diuretics in outpatients with refractory heart failure: an observational study and review of the literature. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther . 2005; 19:301–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 744. Giamouzis G, Butler J, Starling RC, et al. . Impact of dopamine infusion on renal function in hospitalized heart failure patients: results of the Dopamine in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (DAD-HF) Trial. J Card Fail . 2010; 16:922–30.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 745. Elkayam U, Ng TM, Hatamizadeh P, et al. . Renal vasodilatory action of dopamine in patients with heart failure: magnitude of effect and site of action. Circulation . 2008; 117:200–5.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 746. Cleland JG, Coletta A, Witte K. Practical applications of intravenous diuretic therapy in decompensated heart failure. Am J Med . 2006; 119:S26–S36.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 747. Vasko MR, Cartwright DB, Knochel JP, et al. . Furosemide absorption altered in decompensated congestive heart failure. Ann Intern Med . 1985; 102:314–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 748. Wilcox CS, Mitch WE, Kelly RA, et al. . Response of the kidney to furosemide, I: effects of salt intake and renal compensation. J Lab Clin Med . 1983; 102:450–8.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 749. Firth JD, Raine AE, Ledingham JG. Raised venous pressure: a direct cause of renal sodium retention in oedema? Lancet . 1988; 1:1033–5.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 750. Pivac N, Rumboldt Z, Sardelic S, et al. . Diuretic effects of furosemide infusion versus bolus injection in congestive heart failure. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res . 1998; 18:121–8.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 751. Salvador DR, Rey NR, Ramos GC, et al. . Continuous infusion versus bolus injection of loop diuretics in congestive heart failure.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005;(3):CD003178.Google Scholar
  • 752. Costanzo MR, Guglin ME, Saltzberg MT, et al. . Ultrafiltration versus intravenous diuretics for patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2007; 49:675–83.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 753. Bart BA, Boyle A, Bank AJ, et al. . Ultrafiltration versus usual care for hospitalized patients with heart failure: the Relief for Acutely Fluid-Overloaded Patients With Decompensated Congestive Heart Failure (RAPID-CHF) trial. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2005; 46:2043–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 754. Bourge RC, Tallaj JA. Ultrafiltration: a new approach toward mechanical diuresis in heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2005; 46:2052–3.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 755. Jaski BE, Ha J, Denys BG, et al. . Peripherally inserted veno-venous ultrafiltration for rapid treatment of volume overloaded patients. J Card Fail . 2003; 9:227–31.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 756. Costanzo M, Saltzburg M, O'Sullivan J, et al. . EUPHORIA trial: early ultrafiltration therapy in patients with decompensated heart failure and observed resistance to intervention with diuretic agents. J Card Fail . 2004; 10Suppl:S78.CrossrefGoogle Scholar
  • 757. Bart B, Boyle A, Bank A, et al. . Randomized controlled trial of ultrafiltration versus usual care for hospitalized patients with heart failure: preliminary report of the Rapid Trial. J Card Fail . 2004; 10Suppl:S23.CrossrefGoogle Scholar
  • 758. Bart BA, Goldsmith SR, Lee KL, et al. . Cardiorenal rescue study in acute decompensated heart failure: rationale and design of CARRESS-HF, for the Heart Failure Clinical Research Network. J Card Fail . 2012; 18:176–82.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 759. Bart BA, Goldsmith SR, Lee KL, et al. . Ultrafiltration in decompensated heart failure with cardiorenal syndrome. N Engl J Med . 2012; 367:2296–304.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 760. Colucci WS, Elkayam U, Horton DP, et al. ; Nesiritide Study Group. Intravenous nesiritide, a natriuretic peptide, in the treatment of decompensated congestive heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2000; 343:246–53. Errata in: N Engl J Med. 2000;343:1504 and N Engl J Med. 2000;343:896.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 761. Cioffi G, Stefenelli C, Tarantini L, et al. . Hemodynamic response to intensive unloading therapy (furosemide and nitroprusside) in patients >70 years of age with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and decompensated chronic heart failure. Am J Cardiol . 2003; 92:1050–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 762. O'Connor CM, Starling RC, Hernandez AF, et al. . Effect of nesiritide in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2011; 365:32–43.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 763. Publication Committee for the VMAC Investigators. Intravenous nesiritide vs nitroglycerin for treatment of decompensated congestive heart failure: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA . 2002; 287:1531–40. Erratum in: JAMA. 2002;288:577.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 764. Elkayam U, Akhter MW, Singh H, et al. . Comparison of effects on left ventricular filling pressure of intravenous nesiritide and high-dose nitroglycerin in patients with decompensated heart failure. Am J Cardiol . 2004; 93:237–40.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 765. Cotter G, Metzkor E, Kaluski E, et al. . Randomised trial of high-dose isosorbide dinitrate plus low-dose furosemide versus high-dose furosemide plus low-dose isosorbide dinitrate in severe pulmonary oedema. Lancet . 1998; 351:389–93.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 766. Elkayam U, Kulick D, McIntosh N, et al. . Incidence of early tolerance to hemodynamic effects of continuous infusion of nitroglycerin in patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure. Circulation . 1987; 76:577–84.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 767. Dupuis J, Lalonde G, Lemieux R, et al. . Tolerance to intravenous nitroglycerin in patients with congestive heart failure: role of increased intravascular volume, neurohumoral activation and lack of prevention with N-acetylcysteine. J Am Coll Cardiol . 1990; 16:923–31.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 768. Fung HL, Bauer JA. Mechanisms of nitrate tolerance. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther . 1994; 8:489–99.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 769. Mullens W, Abrahams Z, Francis GS, et al. . Sodium nitroprusside for advanced low-output heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2008; 52:200–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 770. Alikhan R, Cohen AT, Combe S, et al. . Prevention of venous thromboembolism in medical patients with enoxaparin: a subgroup analysis of the MEDENOX study. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis . 2003; 14:341–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 771. Belch JJ, Lowe GD, Ward AG, et al. . Prevention of deep vein thrombosis in medical patients by low-dose heparin. Scott Med J . 1981; 26:115–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 772. Kleber FX, Witt C, Vogel G, et al. . Randomized comparison of enoxaparin with unfractionated heparin for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in medical patients with heart failure or severe respiratory disease. Am Heart J . 2003; 145:614–21.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 773. Samama MM, Cohen AT, Darmon JY, et al. ; Prophylaxis in Medical Patients with Enoxaparin Study Group. A comparison of enoxaparin with placebo for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in acutely ill medical patients. N Engl J Med . 1999; 341:793–800.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 774. Turpie AG. Thrombosis prophylaxis in the acutely ill medical patient: insights from the prophylaxis in MEDical patients with ENOXaparin (MEDENOX) trial. Am J Cardiol . 2000; 86:48M–52M.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 775. Deleted in press.Google Scholar
  • 776. Cohen AT, Turpie AG, Leizorovicz A, et al. . Thromboprophylaxis with dalteparin in medical patients: which patients benefit? Vasc Med . 2007; 12:123–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 777. Leizorovicz A, Cohen AT, Turpie AG, et al. . Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of dalteparin for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in acutely ill medical patients. Circulation . 2004; 110:874–9.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 778. Anderson GM, Hull E. The effect of dicumarol upon the mortality and incidence of thromboembolic complications in congestive heart failure. Am Heart J . 1950; 39:697–702.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 779. Griffith GC, Stragnell R, Levinson DC, et al. . A study of the beneficial effects of anticoagulant therapy in congestive heart failure. Ann Intern Med . 1952; 37:867–87.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 780. Harvey WP, Finch CA. Dicumarol prophylaxis of thromboembolic disease in congestive heart failure. N Engl J Med . 1950; 242:208–11.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 781. Cohen AT, Davidson BL, Gallus AS, et al. . Efficacy and safety of fondaparinux for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in older acute medical patients: randomised placebo controlled trial. BMJ . 2006; 332:325–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 782. Wojnicz R, Nowak J, Szygula-Jurkiewicz B, et al. . Adjunctive therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin in patients with chronic heart failure secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy: one-year follow-up results of the randomized trial. Am Heart J . 2006; 152:713.e1–713.e7.CrossrefGoogle Scholar
  • 783. Tebbe U, Schellong SM, Haas S, et al. . Certoparin versus unfractionated heparin to prevent venous thromboembolic events in patients hospitalized because of heart failure: a subgroup analysis of the randomized, controlled CERTIFY study. Am Heart J . 2011; 161:322–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 784. Lederle FA, Zylla D, MacDonald R, et al. . Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in hospitalized medical patients and those with stroke: a background review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Ann Intern Med . 2011; 155:602–15.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 785. Dennis M, Sandercock PA, Reid J, et al. . Effectiveness of thigh-length graduated compression stockings to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis after stroke (CLOTS trial 1): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet . 2009; 373:1958–65.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 786. Muir KW, Watt A, Baxter G, et al. . Randomized trial of graded compression stockings for prevention of deep-vein thrombosis after acute stroke. QJM . 2000; 93:359–64.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 787. Ghali JK, Koren MJ, Taylor JR, et al. . Efficacy and safety of oral conivaptan: a V1A/V2 vasopressin receptor antagonist, assessed in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in patients with euvolemic or hypervolemic hyponatremia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab . 2006; 91:2145–52.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 788. Schrier RW, Gross P, Gheorghiade M, et al. . Tolvaptan, a selective oral vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist, for hyponatremia. N Engl J Med . 2006; 355:2099–112.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 789. Renneboog B, Musch W, Vandemergel X, et al. . Mild chronic hyponatremia is associated with falls, unsteadiness, and attention deficits. Am J Med . 2006; 119:71–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 790. Gheorghiade M, Konstam MA, Burnett JC, et al. . Short-term clinical effects of tolvaptan, an oral vasopressin antagonist, in patients hospitalized for heart failure: the EVEREST Clinical Status Trials. JAMA . 2007; 297:1332–43.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 791. Konstam MA, Gheorghiade M, Burnett JC, et al. . Effects of oral tolvaptan in patients hospitalized for worsening heart failure: the EVEREST Outcome Trial. JAMA . 2007; 297:1319–31.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 792. Naylor M, Brooten D, Jones R, et al. . Comprehensive discharge planning for the hospitalized elderly: a randomized clinical trial. Ann Intern Med . 1994; 120:999–1006.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 793. Naylor MD, Brooten DA, Campbell RL, et al. . Transitional care of older adults hospitalized with heart failure: a randomized, controlled trial. J Am Geriatr Soc . 2004; 52:675–84.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 794. Fonarow GC, Abraham WT, Albert NM, et al. . Influence of a performance-improvement initiative on quality of care for patients hospitalized with heart failure: results of the Organized Program to Initiate Lifesaving Treatment in Hospitalized Patients With Heart Failure (OPTIMIZE-HF). Arch Intern Med . 2007; 167:1493–502.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 795. Lappe JM, Muhlestein JB, Lappe DL, et al. . Improvements in 1-year cardiovascular clinical outcomes associated with a hospital-based discharge medication program. Ann Intern Med . 2004; 141:446–53.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 796. Phillips CO, Wright SM, Kern DE, et al. . Comprehensive discharge planning with postdischarge support for older patients with congestive heart failure: a meta-analysis. JAMA . 2004; 291:1358–67.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 797. Gislason GH, Rasmussen JN, Abildstrom SZ, et al. . Persistent use of evidence-based pharmacotherapy in heart failure is associated with improved outcomes. Circulation . 2007; 116:737–44.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 798. Masoudi FA, Rathore SS, Wang Y, et al. . National patterns of use and effectiveness of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in older patients with heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Circulation . 2004; 110:724–31.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 799. Braunstein JB, Anderson GF, Gerstenblith G, et al. . Noncardiac comorbidity increases preventable hospitalizations and mortality among Medicare beneficiaries with chronic heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2003; 42:1226–33.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 800. Windham BG, Bennett RG, Gottlieb S. Care management interventions for older patients with congestive heart failure. Am J Manag Care . 2003; 9:447–59.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 801. Fonarow GC, Albert NM, Curtis AB, et al. . Improving evidence-based care for heart failure in outpatient cardiology practices: primary results of the Registry to Improve the Use of Evidence-Based Heart Failure Therapies in the Outpatient Setting (IMPROVE HF). Circulation . 2010; 122:585–96.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 802. Fonarow GC, Abraham WT, Albert NM, et al. . Association between performance measures and clinical outcomes for patients hospitalized with heart failure. JAMA . 2007; 297:61–70.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 803. Hernandez AF, Greiner MA, Fonarow GC, et al. . Relationship between early physician follow-up and 30-day readmission among Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for heart failure. JAMA . 2010; 303:1716–22.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 804. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. 30 Safe practices for better health care: fact sheet. March 2005. Available at: http://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/factsheets/errors-safety/30safe/index.html. Accessed July 11, 2013.Google Scholar
  • 805. The Joint Commission. 2011 National patient safety goals. 2012. Available at: http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/2011-2012_npsg_presentation_final_8-4-11.pdf. Accessed July 11, 2013.Google Scholar
  • 806. Levenson JW, McCarthy EP, Lynn J, et al. . The last six months of life for patients with congestive heart failure. J Am Geriatr Soc . 2000; 48:S101–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 807. Krumholz HM, Baker DW, Ashton CM, et al. . Evaluating quality of care for patients with heart failure. Circulation . 2000; 101:E122–40.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 808. Wang TJ, Larson MG, Levy D, et al. . Temporal relations of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure and their joint influence on mortality: the Framingham Heart Study. Circulation . 2003; 107:2920–5.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 809. Maisel WH, Stevenson LW. Atrial fibrillation in heart failure: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and rationale for therapy. Am J Cardiol . 2003; 91:2D–8D.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 810. Deleted in press.Google Scholar
  • 811. Tsang TS, Gersh BJ, Appleton CP, et al. . Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction as a predictor of the first diagnosed nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in 840 elderly men and women. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2002; 40:1636–44.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 812. Roy D, Talajic M, Nattel S, et al. . Rhythm control versus rate control for atrial fibrillation and heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2008; 358:2667–77.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 813. Hsu LF, Jais P, Sanders P, et al. . Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in congestive heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2004; 351:2373–83.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 814. Khan MN, Jais P, Cummings J, et al. . Pulmonary-vein isolation for atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2008; 359:1778–85.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 815. Deleted in press.Google Scholar
  • 816. Deleted in press.Google Scholar
  • 817. Deleted in press.Google Scholar
  • 818. Groenveld HF, Januzzi JL, Damman K, et al. . Anemia and mortality in heart failure patients a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2008; 52:818–27.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 819. Tang YD, Katz SD. Anemia in chronic heart failure: prevalence, etiology, clinical correlates, and treatment options. Circulation . 2006; 113:2454–61.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 820. Go AS, Yang J, Ackerson LM, et al. . Hemoglobin level, chronic kidney disease, and the risks of death and hospitalization in adults with chronic heart failure: the Anemia in Chronic Heart Failure: Outcomes and Resource Utilization (ANCHOR) Study. Circulation . 2006; 113:2713–23.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 821. Ezekowitz JA, McAlister FA, Armstrong PW. Anemia is common in heart failure and is associated with poor outcomes: insights from a cohort of 12 065 patients with new-onset heart failure. Circulation . 2003; 107:223–5.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 822. Sharma R, Francis DP, Pitt B, et al. . Haemoglobin predicts survival in patients with chronic heart failure: a substudy of the ELITE II trial. Eur Heart J . 2004; 25:1021–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 823. von Haehling S, van Veldhuisen DJ, Roughton M, et al. . Anaemia among patients with heart failure and preserved or reduced ejection fraction: results from the SENIORS study. Eur J Heart Fail . 2011; 13:656–63.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 824. Kalra PR, Bolger AP, Francis DP, et al. . Effect of anemia on exercise tolerance in chronic heart failure in men. Am J Cardiol . 2003; 91:888–91.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 825. O'Meara E, Clayton T, McEntegart MB, et al. . Clinical correlates and consequences of anemia in a broad spectrum of patients with heart failure: results of the Candesartan in Heart Failure: Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and Morbidity (CHARM) Program. Circulation . 2006; 113:986–94.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 826. Mozaffarian D, Nye R, Levy WC. Anemia predicts mortality in severe heart failure: the prospective randomized amlodipine survival evaluation (PRAISE). J Am Coll Cardiol . 2003; 41:1933–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 827. Westenbrink BD, Voors AA, de Boer RA, et al. . Bone marrow dysfunction in chronic heart failure patients. Eur J Heart Fail . 2010; 12:676–84.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 828. Silverberg DS, Wexler D, Blum M, et al. . The use of subcutaneous erythropoietin and intravenous iron for the treatment of the anemia of severe, resistant congestive heart failure improves cardiac and renal function and functional cardiac class, and markedly reduces hospitalizations. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2000; 35:1737–44.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 829. Silverberg DS, Wexler D, Sheps D, et al. . The effect of correction of mild anemia in severe, resistant congestive heart failure using subcutaneous erythropoietin and intravenous iron: a randomized controlled study. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2001; 37:1775–80.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 830. Mancini DM, Katz SD, Lang CC, et al. . Effect of erythropoietin on exercise capacity in patients with moderate to severe chronic heart failure. Circulation . 2003; 107:294–9.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 831. Palazzuoli A, Silverberg D, Iovine F, et al. . Erythropoietin improves anemia exercise tolerance and renal function and reduces B-type natriuretic peptide and hospitalization in patients with heart failure and anemia. Am Heart J . 2006; 152:1096–15.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 832. Parissis JT, Kourea K, Panou F, et al. . Effects of darbepoetin alpha on right and left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in anemic patients with chronic heart failure secondary to ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Am Heart J . 2008; 155:751–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 833. van Veldhuisen DJ, Dickstein K, Cohen-Solal A, et al. . Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effect of two dosing regimens of darbepoetin alfa in patients with heart failure and anaemia. Eur Heart J . 2007; 28:2208–16.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 834. Ghali JK, Anand IS, Abraham WT, et al. . Randomized double-blind trial of darbepoetin alfa in patients with symptomatic heart failure and anemia. Circulation . 2008; 117:526–35.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 835. McMurray JJ, Anand IS, Diaz R, et al. . Design of the Reduction of Events with Darbepoetin alfa in Heart Failure (RED-HF): a phase III, anaemia correction, morbidity-mortality trial. Eur J Heart Fail . 2009; 11:795–801.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 836. Singh AK, Szczech L, Tang KL, et al. . Correction of anemia with epoetin alfa in chronic kidney disease. N Engl J Med . 2006; 355:2085–98.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 837. Drueke TB, Locatelli F, Clyne N, et al. . Normalization of hemoglobin level in patients with chronic kidney disease and anemia. N Engl J Med . 2006; 355:2071–84.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 838. Swedberg K, Young JB, Anand IS, et al. . Treatment of anemia with darbepoetin alfa in systolic heart failure. N Engl J Med . 2013; 368:1210–19.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 839. Deleted in press.Google Scholar
  • 840. Anker SD, Comin C J, Filippatos G, et al. . Ferric carboxymaltose in patients with heart failure and iron deficiency. N Engl J Med . 2009; 361:2436–48.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 841. Holzapfel N, Lowe B, Wild B, et al. . Self-care and depression in patients with chronic heart failure. Heart Lung . 2009; 38:392–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 842. Jiang W, Krishnan R, Kuchibhatla M, et al. . Characteristics of depression remission and its relation with cardiovascular outcome among patients with chronic heart failure (from the SADHART-CHF Study). Am J Cardiol . 2011; 107:545–51.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 843. Bekelman DB, Havranek EP, Becker DM, et al. . Symptoms, depression, and quality of life in patients with heart failure. J Card Fail . 2007; 13:643–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 844. Freedland KE, Rich MW, Skala JA, et al. . Prevalence of depression in hospitalized patients with congestive heart failure. Psychosom Med . 2003; 65:119–28.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 845. Moser DK, Dracup K, Evangelista LS, et al. . Comparison of prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hostility in elderly patients with heart failure, myocardial infarction, and a coronary artery bypass graft. Heart Lung . 2010; 39:378–85.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 846. York KM, Hassan M, Sheps DS. Psychobiology of depression/distress in congestive heart failure. Heart Fail Rev . 2009; 14:35–50.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 847. Unpublished data provided by the Office of Information Products and Data Analytics-CMS. CMS Administrative Claims Data, Jan 2011 - Dec 2011, from the Chronic Condition Warehouse.2012.Google Scholar
  • 848. Caracciolo EA, Davis KB, Sopko G, et al. . Comparison of surgical and medical group survival in patients with left main coronary artery disease: long-term CASS experience. Circulation . 1995; 91:2325–34.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 849. The VA Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Cooperative Study Group.Eighteen-year follow-up in the Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for stable angina. Circulation . 1992; 86:121–30.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 850. The Veterans Administration Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Cooperative Study Group.Eleven-year survival in the Veterans Administration randomized trial of coronary bypass surgery for stable angina. N Engl J Med . 1984; 311:1333–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 851. Cleland JG, Calvert M, Freemantle N, et al. . The Heart Failure Revascularisation Trial (HEART). Eur J Heart Fail . 2011; 13:227–33.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 852. Smith CR, Leon MB, Mack MJ, et al. . Transcatheter versus surgical aortic-valve replacement in high-risk patients. N Engl J Med . 2011; 364:2187–98.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 853. Leon MB, Smith CR, Mack M, et al. . Transcatheter aortic-valve implantation for aortic stenosis in patients who cannot undergo surgery. N Engl J Med . 2010; 363:1597–607.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 854. Feldman T, Foster E, Glower DD, et al. . Percutaneous repair or surgery for mitral regurgitation. N Engl J Med . 2011; 364:1395–406.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 855. Chan KM, Punjabi PP, Flather M, et al. . Coronary artery bypass surgery with or without mitral valve annuloplasty in moderate functional ischemic mitral regurgitation: final results of the Randomized Ischemic Mitral Evaluation (RIME) trial. Circulation . 2012; 126:2502–10.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 856. Fattouch K, Guccione F, Sampognaro R, et al. . POINT: efficacy of adding mitral valve restrictive annuloplasty to coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with moderate ischemic mitral valve regurgitation: a randomized trial. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg . 2009; 138:278–85.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 857. Franzen O, van der Heyden J, Baldus S, et al. . MitraClip® therapy in patients with end-stage systolic heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail . 2011; 13:569–76.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 858. Jones RH, Velazquez EJ, Michler RE, et al. . Coronary bypass surgery with or without surgical ventricular reconstruction. N Engl J Med . 2009; 360:1705–17.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 859. Cleveland JC, Naftel DC, Reece TB, et al. . Survival after biventricular assist device implantation: an analysis of the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support database. J Heart Lung Transplant . 2011; 30:862–9.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 860. Klotz S, Meyns B, Simon A, et al. . Partial mechanical long-term support with the CircuLite Synergy pump as bridge-to-transplant in congestive heart failure. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg . 2010; 58Suppl 2:S173–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 861. Coronary artery surgery study (CASS): a randomized trial of coronary artery bypass surgery: survival data. Circulation . 1983; 68:939–50.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 862. Takaro T, Peduzzi P, Detre KM, et al. . Survival in subgroups of patients with left main coronary artery disease: Veterans Administration Cooperative Study of Surgery for Coronary Arterial Occlusive Disease. Circulation . 1982; 66:14–22.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 863. Hu S, Liu S, Zheng Z, et al. . Isolated coronary artery bypass graft combined with bone marrow mononuclear cells delivered through a graft vessel for patients with previous myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure: a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2011; 57:2409–15.MedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 864. Perin EC, Silva GV, Henry TD, et al. . A randomized study of transendocardial injection of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells and cell function analysis in ischemic heart failure (FOCUS-HF). Am Heart J . 2011; 161:1078–87.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 865. Strauer BE, Yousef M, Schannwell CM. The acute and long-term effects of intracoronary Stem cell Transplantation in 191 patients with chronic heARt failure: the STAR-heart study. Eur J Heart Fail . 2010; 12:721–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 866. Zipes DP, Camm AJ, Borggrefe M, et al. . ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 guidelines for management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Develop Guidelines for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death). Circulation . 2006; 114:1088–132.Google Scholar
  • 867. Gelsomino S, La Meir M, Luca F, et al. . Treatment of lone atrial fibrillation: a look at the past, a view of the present and a glance at the future. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg . 2012; 41:1284–94.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 868. Maybaum S, Kamalakannan G, Murthy S. Cardiac recovery during mechanical assist device support. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg . 2008; 20:234–46.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 869. Burkhoff D, Klotz S, Mancini DM. LVAD-induced reverse remodeling: basic and clinical implications for myocardial recovery. J Card Fail . 2006; 12:227–39.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 870. Coleman EA, Boult C. Improving the quality of transitional care for persons with complex care needs. J Am Geriatr Soc . 2003; 51:556–7.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 871. Stewart S, Pearson S, Horowitz JD. Effects of a home-based intervention among patients with congestive heart failure discharged from acute hospital care. Arch Intern Med . 1998; 158:1067–72.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 872. Stewart S, Marley JE, Horowitz JD. Effects of a multidisciplinary, home-based intervention on unplanned readmissions and survival among patients with chronic congestive heart failure: a randomised controlled study. Lancet . 1999; 354:1077–83.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 873. Sochalski J, Jaarsma T, Krumholz HM, et al. . What works in chronic care management: the case of heart failure. Health Aff (Millwood) . 2009; 28:179–89.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 874. Laramee AS, Levinsky SK, Sargent J, et al. . Case management in a heterogeneous congestive heart failure population: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Intern Med . 2003; 163:809–17.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 875. Clark RA, Inglis SC, McAlister FA, et al. . Telemonitoring or structured telephone support programmes for patients with chronic heart failure: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ . 2007; 334:942.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 876. Chaudhry SI, Phillips CO, Stewart SS, et al. . Telemonitoring for patients with chronic heart failure: a systematic review. J Card Fail . 2007; 13:56–62.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 877. Riegel B, Carlson B, Kopp Z, et al. . Effect of a standardized nurse case-management telephone intervention on resource use in patients with chronic heart failure. Arch Intern Med . 2002; 162:705–12.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 878. Riegel B, Carlson B, Glaser D, et al. . Randomized controlled trial of telephone case management in Hispanics of Mexican origin with heart failure. J Card Fail . 2006; 12:211–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 879. Krumholz HM, Currie PM, Riegel B, et al. . A taxonomy for disease management: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association Disease Management Taxonomy Writing Group. Circulation . 2006; 114:1432–45.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 880. Faxon DP, Schwamm LH, Pasternak RC, et al. . Improving quality of care through disease management: principles and recommendations from the American Heart Association's Expert Panel on Disease Management. Circulation . 2004; 109:2651–4.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 881. Rich MW, Beckham V, Wittenberg C, et al. . A multidisciplinary intervention to prevent the readmission of elderly patients with congestive heart failure. N Engl J Med . 1995; 333:1190–5.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 882. McAlister FA, Lawson FM, Teo KK, et al. . A systematic review of randomized trials of disease management programs in heart failure. Am J Med . 2001; 110:378–84.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 883. Riegel B, LePetri B. Heart failure disease management models. , Moser D, Riegel B, eds. In: Improving outcomes in heart failure: an interdisciplinary approach . Gaithersburg, Md: Aspen Publishers; 2001:267–81.Google Scholar
  • 884. Coleman EA, Mahoney E, Parry C. Assessing the quality of preparation for posthospital care from the patient's perspective: the care transitions measure. Med Care . 2005; 43:246–55.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 885. Lorenz KA, Lynn J, Dy SM, et al. . Evidence for improving palliative care at the end of life: a systematic review. Ann Intern Med . 2008; 148:147–59.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 886. Hauptman PJ, Havranek EP. Integrating palliative care into heart failure care. Arch Intern Med . 2005; 165:374–8.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 887. Adler ED, Goldfinger JZ, Kalman J, et al. . Palliative care in the treatment of advanced heart failure. Circulation . 2009; 120:2597–606.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 888. Qaseem A, Snow V, Shekelle P, et al. . Evidence-based interventions to improve the palliative care of pain, dyspnea, and depression at the end of life: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med . 2008; 148:141–6.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 889. Bernheim SM, Grady JN, Lin Z, et al. . National patterns of risk-standardized mortality and readmission for acute myocardial infarction and heart failure: update on publicly reported outcomes measures based on the 2010 release. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes . 2010; 3:459–67.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 890. Coleman EA. Falling through the cracks: challenges and opportunities for improving transitional care for persons with continuous complex care needs. J Am Geriatr Soc . 2003; 51:549–55.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 891. Bernheim SM, Spertus JA, Reid KJ, et al. . Socioeconomic disparities in outcomes after acute myocardial infarction. Am Heart J . 2007; 153:313–9.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 892. Rahimi AR, Spertus JA, Reid KJ, et al. . Financial barriers to health care and outcomes after acute myocardial infarction. JAMA . 2007; 297:1063–72.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 893. Smolderen KG, Spertus JA, Reid KJ, et al. . The association of cognitive and somatic depressive symptoms with depression recognition and outcomes after myocardial infarction. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes . 2009; 2:328–37.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 894. Subramanian D, Subramanian V, Deswal A, et al. . New predictive models of heart failure mortality using time-series measurements and ensemble models. Circ Heart Fail . 2011; 4:456–62.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 895. Foraker RE, Rose KM, Suchindran CM, et al. . Socioeconomic status, Medicaid coverage, clinical comorbidity, and rehospitalization or death after an incident heart failure hospitalization: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort (1987 to 2004). Circ Heart Fail . 2011; 4:308–16.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 896. Allen LA, Hernandez AF, Peterson ED, et al. . Discharge to a skilled nursing facility and subsequent clinical outcomes among older patients hospitalized for heart failure. Circ Heart Fail . 2011; 4:293–300.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 897. Dunlay SM, Eveleth JM, Shah ND, et al. . Medication adherence among community-dwelling patients with heart failure. Mayo Clin Proc . 2011; 86:273–81.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 898. National Quality Forum (NQF). Preferred practices and performance measures for measuring and reporting care coordination: a consensus report. Washington, DC: NQF; 2010.Google Scholar
  • 899. Department of Health and Human Services; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Federal Register, Rules and Regulations. 2011. Available at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-08-18/pdf/2011-19719.pdf. Accessed July 11, 2013.Google Scholar
  • 900. Grady KL, Dracup K, Kennedy G, et al. . Team management of patients with heart failure: a statement for healthcare professionals from the Cardiovascular Nursing Council of the American Heart Association. Circulation . 2000; 102:2443–56.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 901. Desai MM, Stauffer BD, Feringa HH, et al. . Statistical models and patient predictors of readmission for acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes . 2009; 2:500–7.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 902. Verouden NJ, Haeck JD, Kuijt WJ, et al. . Prediction of 1-year mortality with different measures of ST-segment recovery in all-comers after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes . 2010; 3:522–9.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 903. Allen LA, Yager JE, Funk MJ, et al. . Discordance between patient-predicted and model-predicted life expectancy among ambulatory patients with heart failure. JAMA . 2008; 299:2533–42.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 904. Goodlin SJ. Palliative care in congestive heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol . 2009; 54:386–96.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 905. Nicholas LH, Langa KM, Iwashyna TJ, et al. . Regional variation in the association between advance directives and end-of-life Medicare expenditures. JAMA . 2011; 306:1447–53.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 906. Temel JS, Greer JA, Muzikansky A, et al. . Early palliative care for patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. N Engl J Med . 2010; 363:733–42.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 907. Swetz KM, Freeman MR, AbouEzzeddine OF, et al. . Palliative medicine consultation for preparedness planning in patients receiving left ventricular assist devices as destination therapy. Mayo Clin Proc . 2011; 86:493–500.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 908. Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, Weinberger SE, et al. . Diagnosis and management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a clinical practice guideline update from the American College of Physicians, American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, and European Respiratory Society. Ann Intern Med . 2011; 155:179–91.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 909. Harper SA, Bradley JS, Englund JA, et al. . Seasonal influenza in adults and children: diagnosis, treatment, chemoprophylaxis, and institutional outbreak management: clinical practice guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis . 2009; 48:1003–32.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 910. Mandell LA, Wunderink RG, Anzueto A, et al. . Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society consensus guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Clin Infect Dis . 2007; 44Suppl 2:S27–72.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 911. American Heart Association.AHA Family & Friends CPR.Available at: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/CPRAndECC/CommunityTraining/CommunityProducts/Family-Friendsreg-CPR_UCM_303576_Article.jsp. Accessed May 28, 2013.Google Scholar
  • 912. Mosca L, Benjamin EJ, Berra K, et al. . Effectiveness-based guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in women–2011 update: a guideline from the American Heart Association. Circulation . 2011; 123:1243–62.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 913. Levine GN, Steinke EE, Bakaeen FG, et al. . Sexual activity and cardiovascular disease: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation . 2012; 125:1058–72.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 914. US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for depression in adults: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med . 2009; 151:784–92.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 915. The Joint Commission. 2013 National patient safety goals. 2012. Available at: http://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/npsgs.aspx. Accessed July 11, 2013.Google Scholar
  • 916. National Quality Forum (NQF). A comprehensive framework and preferred practices for measuring and reporting cultural competency: a consensus report. Washington, DC: NQF; 2009.Google Scholar
  • 917. Jencks SF, Huff ED, Cuerdon T. Change in the quality of care delivered to Medicare beneficiaries, 1998–1999 to 2000–2001. JAMA . 2003; 289:305–12.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 918. US Department of Health and Human Services.Hospital Compare. http://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/. Accessed July 11, 2013.Google Scholar
  • 919. Spertus JA, Eagle KA, Krumholz HM, et al. . American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association methodology for the selection and creation of performance measures for quantifying the quality of cardiovascular care. Circulation . 2005; 111:1703–12.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 920. Spertus JA, Bonow RO, Chan P, et al. . ACCF/AHA new insights into the methodology of performance measurement: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on performance measures. Circulation . 2010; 122:2091–106.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 921. Bonow RO, Ganiats TG, Beam CT, et al. . ACCF/AHA/AMA-PCPI 2011 performance measures for adults with heart failure: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Performance Measures and the American Medical Association-Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement. Circulation . 2012; 125:2382–401.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 922. Bonow RO, Masoudi FA, Rumsfeld JS, et al. . ACC/AHA classification of care metrics: performance measures and quality metrics: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Performance Measures. Circulation . 2008; 118:2662–6.LinkGoogle Scholar
  • 923. Krumholz HM, Normand SL, Spertus JA, et al. . Measuring performance for treating heart attacks and heart failure: the case for outcomes measurement. Health Aff (Millwood) . 2007; 26:75–85.CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar
  • 924. Krumholz HM, Brindis RG, Brush JE, et al. . Standards for statistical models used for public reporting of health outcomes: an American Heart Association Scientific Statement from the Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Interdisciplinary Writing Group: cosponsored by the Council on Epidemiology and Prevention and the Stroke Council. Circulation . 2006; 113:456–62.LinkGoogle Scholar

School Inlp Wp Uploads Pdf Aha Solution System

Source: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0b013e31829e8776