Heart failure is a progressive disorder affecting
approximately 2–5% of the population and is associated
with considerable mortality and morbidity.1 Heart
failure never occurs in isolation, and is often the
terminal manifestation of a spectrum of cardiovascular
and non-cardiovascular diseases. Whilst age-adjusted
incidence appears to be stable, prevalence is thought to
be increasing, largely as a consequence of the ageing of
our population. Consequently, we will observe a parallel
growth in the burden of more complex heart failure,
complicated by co-morbid conditions, cognitive decline,
polypharmacy and greater social needs.