An overview of chronic heart failure
Intended for healthcare professionals
Evidence and practice    

An overview of chronic heart failure

Jyoti Shrestha Lecturer in nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales
Sarah Done Senior lecturer, School of Health and Social Care, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales

Why you should read this article:
  • To enhance your knowledge of the pathophysiology and classification of heart failure

  • To better understand the pharmacological treatment options for patients with chronic heart failure

  • To increase your awareness of the need to support patients with chronic heart failure to self-manage

Heart failure (HF) is associated with high morbidity and mortality and is a significant public health concern. Globally, the prevalence of HF is increasing and prognosis remains suboptimal for people with the condition. HF has significant effects on patients, their families and healthcare services. People with HF can present with acute or chronic signs and symptoms. This article provides an overview of HF including its prevalence, pathophysiology, causes, diagnosis and management. It details the pharmacological treatments that may be used and the nurse’s role in caring for patients with the condition.

Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2023.e12049

Peer review

This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software

Correspondence

jyoti.shrestha@swansea.ac.uk

Conflict of interest

None declared

Shrestha J, Done S (2023) An overview of chronic heart failure. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2023.e12049

Published online: 03 July 2023

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