This guide provides a clear and concise overview of heart failure for primary care clinicians. Written by two nurse practitioners for nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, medical students, and pharmacists, it is uniquely designed to bridge the gap between cardiology and primary care. It delivers the most current recommendations outlined by the American Heart Association and the Heart Failure Society of America guidelines for the management and treatment of heart failure. 

This book includes a comprehensive overview of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Special chapters are dedicated to physical exam, interpretation and application of diagnostic testing, and the management of chronic illness in the setting of acute and chronic heart failure.  Additionally, the book provides clinicians with guidance on common medications to avoid, patient education, successful transitions of care, and conversations regarding goals of care. Each chapter includes an overview and learning objectives. The "Practice Pearls" and case studies found throughout the text highlight key takeaway points.  

Chapter 1 Introduction: How to use this guide in primary care for the identification. referral, and management of heart failure Nicole R. Dellise, DNP, FNP-BC, CHFN and K. Melissa Hayes, DNP, ANP-BC, CHFN

Section 1: What is Heart Failure?   Author:  Joan King, PhD, ACNP-BC, ANP-BC, FAANP

Chapter 2 Pathophysiology of Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

Chapter 3 Pathophysiology of Heart failure with Preserved ejection Fraction 

Chapter 4 Heart Failure across the population:  Epidemiology 

Chapter 5 Classifications and Stages of Heart Failure 

Section 2:  Manifestations of Heart Failure:  History and Physical Exam Findings.  Author:  TBC Prestigious and well-known Heart Failure Specialist 

Chapter 6 Comprehensive Heart Failure History 

Chapter 7 Physical Exam Findings 

Chapter 8  Determining Volume Status by Physical Exam 

Section 3: Cardiology Referral:  Guide to Initial Testing.  Author:  Lisa Mendes, MD and To Be Confirmed 

Be Confirmed 

Chapter 9 Transthoracic Echocardiogram

Chapter 10 Cardiac MRI 

Chapter 11 Right Heart Catherization 

Chapter 12 Ischemic Evaluation 

Section 4:   Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction   Authors:  Elizabeth Towery Davidson, DNP, ACNP-BC, CHFN, CCRN, FHFSA and Terri Allison, DNP, ACNP-BC, FAANP

Chapter 13 Etiology Chapter 14 Prevention 

Chapter 15 Outpatient Management with Case Study

Section 5:   Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. Authors:  K. Melissa Hayes DNP, ANP-BC, CHFN; Nicole Dellise, DNP, FNP-BC, Chapter 9 CHFN 

Chapter 16 Etiology 

Chapter 17 Prevention 

Chapter 18 Outpatient Management with Case Study

Section 6:  Heart Failure and the Management of Co-Morbidities in Primary Care* 

Chapter 19 Atrial Fibrillation in the presence of Heart Failure. Author: Tara U. Mudd, MSN, APRN, NP-C

Chapter 20 Chronic Kidney Disease, Cardiorenal Syndrome Failure and Anemia. Author: Allison Mitchell, DNP, AGPCNP-BC

Chapter 21 Diabetes and Heart Failure. Author: Angelina Anthamatten, DNP, BC-ADM, FNP- Chapter 22 Hypertension, Obesity and Thyroid Disease and Heart Failure. Author: Leslie Hopkins, DNP, FNP-BC, ANP-BC

Chapter 23 Sleep Apnea, COPD and Heart Failure. Author: Travis Dunlap, PhD, RN, ANP-BC

Chapter 24 Pulmonary Hypertension and Heart Failure. Author: Doug Pearce, MD 

Chapter 25 Liver Disease and Heart Failure. Author: To Be Confirmed 

Chapter 26 Treatment of Gout and Heart Failure. Authors: Amy Howard, MSN, ACNP-BC, and Linda Howerton, MSN, ACNP-BCChapter 27 Lifestyle Choices and Heart Failure: Substance abuse. Authors: Amy Howard, MSN, ACNP and Linda Howerton, MSN, ACNP-BC 

Chapter 28 Depression and Heart Failure.  Authors:  Marci Zsamboky, NP, PMHNP-BC, CNS-BC, CNE and Rose Vick PhD, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Chapter 29 Medications to Avoid when Treating Heart Failure. Author: Zachary L. Cox, PharmD, FHSFA

*Each section will include an appropriate case study. 

Section 7:  Transitioning the Heart Failure Patient from Hospital to Home*.  Author: Kelly D. Stamp, PhD, ANP-C, RN, CHFN-K, FAHA, FAAN * this chapter will include self-care strategies 

Chapter 30 Discharge planning and teaching 

Chapter 31 Initial post discharge clinic visit 

Chapter 32 Self care strategies for the heart failure patient 

Section 8:  Goals of Care for the Heart Failure Patient*. Author:  Christine Marie Hallman, DNP, APRN, ACHPN, NP-C * this section will include palliative care

Chapter 33  Goals of Care discussions 

Chapter 34 Components of Palliative care for the heart failure patient 

Chapter 35  End of Life Best Practice 

K. Melissa Hayes, DNP, ANP-BC, CHFN, is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program.  Dr. Hayes received her BSN from Harding University, her MSN from Vanderbilt University, and her DNP from Duke University.   Dr. Hayes has over 25 years of experience as an Adult Nurse Practitioner and continues to practice in the Heart and Vascular Clinic at Nashville General Hospital focusing on the heart failure population. Her primary teaching responsibilities include Advanced Health Assessment, Primary Care and Clinical Instruction for Nurse Practitioners.  Chronic disease management of the heart failure patient as well as heart failure education is Dr. Hayes' area of expertise. Dr. Hayes frequently lectures about heart failure at the local and national level.   

Nicole R. Dellise, DNP, FNP-BC, CHFN, is the Structural Heart Program Director at TriStar Centennial. She is also an Instructor of Nursing in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She began her career as a heart failure nurse in 2008. She then received her Master's in Nursing from Belmont University in 2012 followed by her Doctorate in Nursing in 2017.  Dr. Dellise has a strong passion for improving heart failure care across the continuum. She has led hospital wide heart failure quality improvement projects and developed educational programs for hospital nursing staff. Additionally, Dr. Dellise has served as a peer reviewer for a reputable heart failure nursing journal.  Dr. Dellise is a published author in the area of heart failure. She has spoken locally and nationally.
This guide provides a clear and concise overview of heart failure for primary care clinicians. Written by two nurse practitioners for nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, medical students, and pharmacists, it is uniquely designed to bridge the gap between cardiology and primary care. It delivers the most current recommendations outlined by the American Heart Association and the Heart Failure Society of America guidelines for the management and treatment of heart failure.