11. Conclusions

The provision of optimal care to patients with HF presents many challenges to the patient, their family or caregivers, the physician, other health care providers, and the health care system. An accurate and timely diagnosis is critical to initiate treatment that will relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, reduce hospitalizations, and prolong survival. These guidelines should provide an evidence-based road map to translate knowledge into practice and allow health care practitioners to make the best clinical judgements and decisions with their patients.