Marie Lazárová, Luděk Pavlů
Chronic heart failure is a condition with increasing incidence and prevalence. Despite advances in therapy leading to
improved mobility and mortality, the overall prognosis remains unfavourable. Early diagnosis and timely institution of
therapy should be provided to the greatest possible number of patients according to current guidelines. Clinical studies
support the use of heart failure management programmes, which limit hospital readmissions for heart failure. This includes
the involvement of heart failure nurses who are invaluable in patient education, optimisation of pharmacotherapy
and provision of point-of-contact for patients, allowing for prompt responses to changes in patient status. Telemonitoring
is becoming an increasingly recognised feature of heart failure management. Palliative care remains an integral
component in the management of heart failure.