Although the majority of heart failure represents the exacerbation of chronic disease, about 20% will present as a first time diagnosis. And although there are a number of intravenous agents that can be used for acute decompensated heart failure, there are no national guidelines currently available. Edited by a well-known expert and his team of contributors, the book offers evidence-based advice on how they diagnose and treat their patients effectively. The sections cover: epidemiology and pathophysiology, diagnosis and evaluation, comorbidities, treatment strategies, issues in management, and future directions in clinical practice and research.