Managing Heart Failure in Primary Care: A Case Study Approach

This guide provides a clear and concise overview of heart failure for primary care clinicians. Written by two nurse practitioners for nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, medical students, and pharmacists, it is uniquely designed to bridge the gap between cardiology and primary care. It delivers the most current recommendations outlined by the American Heart Association and the Heart Failure Society of America guidelines for the management and treatment of heart failure. 

This book includes a comprehensive overview of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Special chapters are dedicated to physical exam, interpretation and application of diagnostic testing, and the management of chronic illness in the setting of acute and chronic heart failure.  Additionally, the book provides clinicians with guidance on common medications to avoid, patient education, successful transitions of care, and conversations regarding goals of care. Each chapter includes an overview and learning objectives. The 'Practice Pearls' and case studies found throughout the text highlight key takeaway points.  



K. Melissa Hayes, DNP, ANP-BC, CHFN, is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program.  Dr. Hayes received her BSN from Harding University, her MSN from Vanderbilt University, and her DNP from Duke University.   Dr. Hayes has over 25 years of experience as an Adult Nurse Practitioner and continues to practice in the Heart and Vascular Clinic at Nashville General Hospital focusing on the heart failure population. Her primary teaching responsibilities include Advanced Health Assessment, Primary Care and Clinical Instruction for Nurse Practitioners.  Chronic disease management of the heart failure patient as well as heart failure education is Dr. Hayes' area of expertise. Dr. Hayes frequently lectures about heart failure at the local and national level.  
 

Nicole R. Dellise, DNP, FNP-BC, CHFN, is the Structural Heart Program Director at TriStar Centennial. She is also an Instructor of Nursing in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She began her career as a heart failure nurse in 2008. She then received her Master's in Nursing from Belmont University in 2012 followed by her Doctorate in Nursing in 2017.  Dr. Dellise has a strong passion for improving heart failure care across the continuum. She has led hospital wide heart failure quality improvement projects and developed educational programs for hospital nursing staff. Additionally, Dr. Dellise has served as a peer reviewer for a reputable heart failure nursing journal.  Dr. Dellise is a published author in the area of heart failure. She has spoken locally and nationally.