Implementation forum

Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome of shortness of breath and fatigue. It occurs when forward flow of blood out of the heart is impeded. This is the only cardiovascular condition that continues to increase in prevalence and incidence. It is a major healthcare problem, not only for the patient, but also for significant others and the community at large. The condition accounts for approximately 12–15 million office visits and 6.5 million hospital days annually in the United States. One third of those discharged from the hospital are readmitted within 90 days because of recurrence of symptoms. The cost of HF patient care is approximately $38.1 billion annually, draining limited resources of patients, treatment facilities, and society.