The evolving challenge of chronic heart failure management: a call for a new curriculum for training heart failure specialists.

Abstract

Chronic heart failure (HF) is a growing epidemic, and therapy options are becoming more complex. Specifically, device management of HF represents a new "class" of therapy that can reduce mortality and alleviate morbidity of the disease syndrome. Heart failure training programs seldom provide structured opportunities for trainees to gain competence in device implantation and management. This curriculum outlines a new approach to training interventional HF cardiologists and internal medicine HF specialists to meet the growing demands for specially trained health care providers.