With numerous advances made on a number of fronts, this has been an important year in the study of heart failure. One of the most comprehensive reviews of clinical research dedicated to heart failure currently available, this volume presents a critical analysis of the findings. It includes discussions of nine recent studies including the CHARM, EPHESUS, LIDO and OVERTURE trials, the latest studies of beta-blockers (COMET and CAPRICORN), TNF alpha-inhibitors (ATTACH) and endothelin antagonists (RITZ-4). Also reviewed are the recent studies of devices used in resynchronisation therapy (MIRACLE and COMPANION), cardiac splints (ACORN) and also surgical procedures such as CABG (the STITCH trial).