Preface

Chapter 1.  Introduction

1.1 Definition and Classification of Heart Failure
1.2 Prevalence and Incidence of HF
1.3 Risk factors for the Development of HF
1.4 Prognosis of HF
1.5 Etiology of HF
1.6 Hospitalization rates
1.7 Economic costs

Chapter 2.   Pathophysiology of HF

2.1 Introduction
2.1 Chamber remodeling
2.2 Neurohumoral activation
2.3 Other Pathophysiological Considerations in HF
2.4 Diastolic HF
2.5 Fluid and water retention
2.6 Mechanisms underlying symptoms in HF

Chapter 3.  Clinical Presentation of HF

3.1 Introduction
3.1 Symptoms and Physical Signs of Chronic HF
3.2 Symptoms and Physical Signs of Acute HF

Chapter 4.  Assessment of Patients with HF

4.1 Assessment of Patients with Acute HF and Pulmonary Edema
4.2 Assessment and Recognition of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic LV Systolic Dysfunction
4.3 Assessment and Recognition of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic LV Diastolic Dysfunction
4.4 Recognition of Specific Chronic HF Syndromes
4.5 Etiologic Considerations of Chronic HF
4.6 Common errors in the diagnosis and evaluation of HF
4.7 Evaluation of refractory HF
4.8 Severity and prognosis of HF
4.9 Factors that predict survival in patients with HF

Chapter 5.  Management of Patients with HF

5.1 Goals of therapy
5.2 Management of Acute HF and Pulmonary Edema.
5.3 Management Options in Chronic HF
5.4 Management of specific HF syndromes
5.5  Strategies to reduce hospital readmissions and length of stay