Demystifying Heart Failure And Pulmonary Hypertension

ABOUT:

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is an increasingly prevalent problem within ageing populations and accounts for thousands of hospitalisations and deaths annually in Australia. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis if not treated. Pharmacological treatment options for PAH have increased significantly over the past 10 years. GPs may have a lack of awareness of specialist services available for patients and may under-refer or refer late for these medical conditions, which can impact upon best management of the patient’s health.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Describe the clinical presentation and diagnosis of heart failure
2. Discus the principals of treatment of PAH
3. Assess patients with heart failure and pulmonary hypertension and decide when to manage and when to refer
4. Use hospital guidelines and Health Pathways Melbourne to navigate management and referral