Nursing Care for patients with Heart Failure in Primary Health Care

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic, progressive syndrome that affects the functioning of the heart and produces a series of signs and symptoms that worsen the functional capacity and quality of life of patients. HF is highly prevalent, especially in the elderly, and is often accompanied by other conditions, requiring polypharmacy. In HF symptom control and self-care are critical to a good outcome and improved quality of life. The work of the Primary Care Nurse is of great importance in these patients. The proper management of patients with HF and their self-care education should be prioritized and the nurse must have the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve them. This paper is a review of HF and its comprehensive treatment, so that it can be used as a tool by PC nurses for updating knowledge and managing of these patients in consultation.