Heart Failure: Evaluation and Care of Patients with Left-Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction : Commentary on the AHCPR Clinical Practice Guidelines

This is the first volume in a series of titles based on the clinical practice guidelines developed by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. This volume provides recommendations to practising primary care doctors, general internists, and nurse practitioners on the evaluation and care of patients with heart failure. The focus is on decision-making and cost-effectiveness related to different treatments and therapies. It further discusses the flexibility that is necessary in interpreting the guidelines, differing opinions in the field, and how these theoretical guidelines compare to the reality of patient variability. Practical issues of managing the patient are stressed.