Heart Failure Management for Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and Primary Care Providers

Heart failure is a devastating disease that causes debilitating symptoms and excess mortality. It affects more than 5 million persons in this country, with over 700,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It remains the most common discharge diagnosis for hospitalized adults and accounts for 12 to 15 million office visits annually. Despite our best efforts, more than one-third of patients with heart failure are re-hospitalized within weeks of hospital discharge. Certainly as our population ages, the number of patients afflicted with this disease will grow. The economic burden now exceeds 10 billion dollars, and is forecasted to grow. It is essential that heart failure is recognized promptly and proven therapies are applied to manage this chronic disease. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants and primary care providers play a pivotal role in the care of these patients. Using a case-based approach, this course will enhance the attendees’ confidence in caring for these challenging patients. OPTIONAL SESSION: Participants may earn an additional 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit (for a total of 17.25 credits) by attenting the optional session of "Echo Basic Tutorial", presented by Barry L. Karon, M.D., on Tuesday, March 19 at 2:00-3:30 p.m.