Investigation and management of congestive heart failure.

Abstract

Congestive heart failure is a common condition that increases in prevalence with increasing age. In 2003, guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence acknowledged that the “rising epidemic of heart failure” is partly the result of people living longer and the more effective treatments for coronary heart disease now available. It also acknowledged, however, that average life expectancy is only about three years after diagnosis, which is much worse than for many other serious illnesses such as cancer of the breast or colon....