In the Clinic is a monthly feature in Annals of Internal Medicine introduced in January 2007 that focuses on practical management of patients with common clinical conditions. It offers evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions about screening, prevention, diagnosis, therapy, and patient education and provides physicians with tools to improve the quality of care.
Heart Failure
Heart failure affects more than 6 million people in the United States and incurs a heavy toll in morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. It frequently coexists with other important disorders, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and obesity. Decades of clinical trials have shown that several medications and interventions are effective for improving outcomes; however, mortality and hospitalization rates remain high. More recently, additional medications and devices have shown promise in reducing the health burden of heart failure.
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