This extensively updated new edition describes the link between heart failure guidelines and clinical practice, and represents a complementary tool to help physicians to be well informed regarding this important field. The topic of heart failure is continuously changing, with considerable developments over the past 5 years. The pathophysiology is better understood and there is a trend for a better characterization of special population groups, such as oncologic patients. New imaging techniques have become valuable tools for the diagnosis of heart failure, while pharmacological and novel cell and gene treatments have evolved enormously. The challenge for practitioners is making the right selection of treatment strategy that best fits a patient. Current Approach to Heart Failure presents detailed information on the indications, selection and mechanism of action of these treatments, whether they be mechanical circulatory devices or pharmacological treatments. The contemporary pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of heart failure targets early prevention of disease progression and the avoidance of heart transplant. In the era of shortage of donors, prevention is the mainstay of the therapeutic strategy, which mirrors the main philosophy of this book. This textbook therefore represents an essential tool for professionals from all the fields of cardiology: non-invasive cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology and cardiovascular imaging. |