In Australia, carefully conducted studies of the incidence, prevalence and hospitalisation rates of CHF have been sadly lacking. Thus, the report by Blyth et al. in this issue of the Journal 5 is welcome as it provides us with local data on the impact of CHF in the hospital setting. Their findings confirm the massive burden that heart failure imposes on the patient and the health care system. Despite therapeutic advances, CHF remains a disease with unacceptably high mortality rates, poor quality of life and massive socioeconomic cost. Several new surgical approaches may also be useful as long-term therapy in some patients, including cardiomyoplasty, ventriculectomy and insertion of a left ventricular assist device.
Drug therapies have a substantial impact on disease outcomes.
8 but may be of symptomatic benefit in patients receiving ACE inhibitor therapy. However, mortality remains high even in CHF patients receiving the best available drug therapy. Recent studies have suggested prolonged survival in chronic heart failure with both agents. Despite these therapeutic advances, CHF remains a disease with unacceptably high mortality rates, poor quality of life and massive socioeconomic cost. Effective new management strategies are urgently required.