Heart failure is an important and ever-expanding sub-speciality of cardiology. Many professional bodies working in healthcare are now developing specialist expertise in heart failure. With advances in medical therapy, the prognosis of the condition has improved dramatically. Whereas once heart failure was a pre-terminal diagnosis, now for many it is treatable. However, some patients remain symptomatic and at high risk of death despite maximal medical therapy.

The new edition of Heart Failure comprehensively covers all aspects necessary to manage a patient with heart failure. It gives simple, clear advice on the diagnosis, investigation, and treatment options available highlighting the current evidence-base. As part of the Oxford Specialist Handbooks in Cardiology, the chapters provide concise and objective information to guide all healthcare professionals involved in the modern day multi-disciplinary management of the syndrome. Set out logically to mirror the patient journey in heart failure, this handbook facilitates the practice of optimal evidence-based management for heart failure patients.

Ideal for trainee cardiologists, consultant cardiologists, care of the elderly and general physicians, cardiothoracic surgeons, primary care doctors, pharmacists and specialist nurses.

Roy S. Gardner, Consultant Cardiologist, Scottish National Advanced Heart Failure Service, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, and Honorary Professor, University of Glasgow, UK,Theresa A. McDonagh, Consultant Cardiologist, King’s College Hospital, London and Professor of Heart Failure King's College, London, UK,Daniel J. Doherty, Clinical Research Fellow, University of Glasgow Cardiology Speciality Registrar, UK,Niki L. Walker, Consultant Cardiologist, Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, UK

Professor Roy S. Gardner is a consultant cardiologist for the Scottish National Advanced Heart Failure Service at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Glasgow and an honorary professor at the University of Glasgow. He has a specialist interest and active research profile in advanced heart failure, cardiac transplantation, and complex devices. He is the past chair of the British Society for Heart Failure (BSH) and was awarded a lifetime Fellowship from the society 2023. He also serves on several European Society of Cardiology (ESC) committees and was the Taskforce Coordinator for the 2021 and 2023 ESC Heart Failure Guidelines.

Professor Theresa A. McDonagh is a consultant cardiologist at King's College London. Her research interests are in clinical heart failure, in particular the epidemiology of heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction and the role of biomarkers. Prof McDonagh is currently chair of the Clinical Section of the Heart Failure Association of the ESC and clinical lead for the National Heart Failure Audit.

Dr Daniel J. Doherty is a clinical research fellow at the University of Glasgow and cardiology speciality registrar in the west of Scotland. His interests include heart failure, complex devices and heart rhythm management, and he is currently undertaking a PhD examining the use of novel biomarkers for the detection of congestion in heart failure.

Dr Niki L. Walker is a consultant cardiologist at the Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service for Intervention and Cardiac Obstetrics at Golden Jubilee National Hospital. She has written numerous research works as part of the ESC.

Section I - General Introduction1.. Definition of heart failure: basic epidemiology and pathophysiologySection II - Chronic Heart Failure2.. Diagnosis and investigation3.. Estimating prognosis4.. Non-pharmacological management5.. Pharmacological management6.. Device therapy7.. Revascularisation8.. Cardiac transplantation9.. Mechanical circulatory supportSection III - Heart failure and co-morbid/special conditions10.. The patient with heart failure and angina11.. The patient with heart failure and arrhythmias12.. The patient with heart failure and arthritis13.. The patient with heart failure and cancer14.. The patient with heart failure and cardiomyopathy15.. The patient with heart failure and congenital heart disease16.. The patient with heart failure and diabetes mellitus17.. The patient with heart failure and electrolyte disorders18.. The patient with heart failure and infiltrative disease19.. The patient with heart failure and iron deficiency / anaemia20.. The patient with heart failure and myocarditis21.. The patient with heart failure and obstructive lung disease22.. The patient with heart failure and pregnancy23.. The patient with heart failure and renal dysfunction24.. The patient with heart failure and valvular diseaseSection IV - Acute heart failure25.. Definition, aetiology, differing presentations and consequences26.. ManagementSection V - Procedures27.. Central venous cannulation28.. Swan Ganz catheterisation29.. Cardiac biopsy30.. IABP insertion31.. Cardiopulmonary exercise testingSection VI - Detailed pharmacology and evidence base for chronic heart failure32.. ACE inhibitors33.. ARNI34.. ARBs35.. Beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists36.. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists37.. SGLT2 inhibitors38.. Diuretics and aquaretics39.. Rate limiting agents40.. Inotropes and vasopressors41.. VasodilatorsSection VI - Multiprofessional heart failure care42.. Heart failure services43.. Palliative care