Overview

• Assessment of heart failure
• Pathophysiology of heart failure
• Cardiac testing and interpretation
• Pharmacologic therapies
• Latest clinical research
• End-of-life care for patients with end stage heart failure
• Clinical care of heart failure patients
• Implantable device therapy – ICDs and pacemakers for heart failure
• Case studies
• Genetics
• Motivating patients and assisting caregivers
• Differentiating systolic versus diastolic heart failure

1. Describe the state of the science of self management in heart failure.
   
2. Integrate the recommendations of the ACC/AHA and HFSA Heart Failure Guidelines into personal practice.


3. Identify patients who would benefit from device therapies (ICD, CRT, LVAD).
   
4. Describe advanced practice aspects/issues of heart failure care.
   
5. Manage the issues that are global to the heart failure population.
   
6. Discuss the problems encountered in patients with heart failure and other comorbidities.
   
7. Interpret research findings to appropriately improve practice.
   
8. Describe approaches to enhance patient care delivery.
   
9. Describe the pathophysiologic processes and sequelae of heart failure

Track 1: Cornerstones of Heart Failure
The Cornerstones of Heart Failure track includes sessions on the neurohormonal pathways in heart failure, cardiac testing modalities and interpretation, physical exam skills and managing acutely decompensated heart failure all in the setting of the most recent Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure. Session topics to watch for:

Track 2: Advanced Aspects of Heart Failure
The Advanced Aspects of Heart Failure track is tailored to advanced practice nurses (APN) and clinicians with more experience. Session topics to watch for:

• Differentiating and Treating Pulmonary Arterial and Pulmonary Venous Hypertension
• Unusual Causes of Heart Failure
• Pathophysiologic Implications of the Immune System in Heart Failure
• Diastolic Dysfunction
• Fluid Volume Management/Ultrafiltration
• Echo Interpretation
• LV Reverse Remodeling
• Complex Case Studies

Track 3: Global Aspects of Heart Failure
The Global Aspects of Heart Failure track covers general heart failure topics and scientific sessions highlighting nursing research. Session topics to watch for:

• Achieving Best Quality of Care in Heart Failure
• Developing a Community-Based Hospice/Palliative Care Program
• Quality of Life in Heart Failure: Talking to Patients about Sex
• Exercise and Heart Failure
• Heart Failure Caregivers
• Integrated Medicines and Holistic Therapies
• Genetics/Genomics of Heart Failure

Track 4: Skill Labs
The skills lab track is an interactive hands-on experience which includes sessions on cardiac auscultation, physical exam skills, using implantable devices for remote monitoring, and experiencing cardiac anatomy with the visible heart lab. Session topics to watch for:

• Piecing Symptoms Together Through Physical Exam
• Recognizing Heart Sounds
• Incorporating Remote Monitoring into Practice
• Handle and Experience Actual Diseased Human Hearts in a Lab Setting