Management of chronic heart failure

In Scotland the estimated prevalence of heart failure for all ages is 1.44% in men and 0.82% in women. This rises to 8.72% and 5.97% for men and women over the age of 75.

Remit and target users

This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations and best practice guidance on the management of patients with chronic heart failure. It provides recommendations on diagnosis, including natriuretic peptide testing, lifestyle, modification, pharmacological and interventional therapies, organisational planning and palliative care.

This guideline will be of interest to healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients with heart failure, including cardiac nurses, cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, general practitioners, pharmacists, psychologists, as well as patients, carers, voluntary organisations and policy makers.

How this guideline was developed

This guideline was developed using a standard methodology based on a systematic review of the evidence. Further details can be found in SIGN 50: A Guideline Developer’s Handbook.

Keeping up to date

This guideline was first issued in 2016 and revalidated in 2019. Details can be found in the scoping report. It will be considered again for review in 2022. The review history, and any updates to the guideline in the interim period, are noted in the review report.

​Current 3-7 years

Some recommendations may be out of  date, declaration of interests governance may not be in line with current policy.