Heart Failure Guidelines for Health Professionals

Objectives

The aim of this guideline is to reduce morbidity and mortality from congestive heart failure. It is also hoped that patients’ understanding and satisfaction with their health care will be improved.
 

Scope

This guideline (Updated 2009) makes recommendations relating to the management of patients with congestive heart failure. There is commentary on diagnosis in order to define the population of patients to which this guideline refers. The National Heart Foundation of New Zealand has previously published guidelines for the management of patients with heart failure in 1997 and 2001. This current guideline updates the 2001 version with specific focus on updates relating to diagnosis, pharmacotherapy, device-based therapies, heart failure management programmes and palliative care. The patient resources have been extensively updated and are available on-line or from the Heart Foundation.
 

Disclaimer

The National Heart Foundation of New Zealand and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand have produced this tool for health professionals and people with heart failure. Interpretation of the health professional section by those without appropriate health training is not recommended, other than at the request of, or in consultation with, a relevant health professional.

The recommendations in this tool and guideline are not intended to replace clinical judgment. Treatment should take into account co-morbidities, drug tolerance, lifestyle, living circumstances, cultural sensibilities and wishes. When prescribing medication, clinicians should observe usual contra-indications, be mindful of potential adverse drug interactions and allergies, monitor responses and ensure regular review.
 

Further information

For more information about heart health and/or supporting the Heart Foundation, please contact us

Each of the pages of this guideline e-tool have links to patient information and the specific chapter in the guideline.

Patient information leaflet	GL Chapter are linked/bookmarked through the relevant sections of the guideline	Medicines information