2-Day Course

Course Overview

During the two days, normal heart function and basic pathophysiology of heart failure is explained. This knowledge is then related to the diagnosis of heart failure, and overall management of patients with heart failure. Device therapy is briefly discussed at the end of the day to increase awareness of treatment options, and palliative care is also briefly explored in order to encourage clinicians to provide patients with opportunities to have early end-of-life discussions and improve palliative care in heart failure.

Course Content

Day One

Epidemiology

The normal heart, anatomy and physiology

Pathophysiology of heart failure – neurohormonal activation

Clinical presentation, signs and symptoms

History, assessment and clinical examination

Practical Sessions – history and clinical examination

Differential diagnoses

Investigations – including B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and echocardiogram (ECHO)

Diagnosis – review of ECHOs (Practical Session)

Day Two

Pharmacological intervention – indication- contraindications- action and pharmokinetics related to neurohormonal activation- side effects-novel agents

Non-medical management –- patient education- lifestyle- self monitoring/management- early warning

Device therapy – CRT-P and CRT-d

Palliative Care and heart failure

Practical Session/Group work - Case Studies - exploring day-to-day challenges and clinical dilemmas.