In the past 20 years, there has been a large number of studies evaluating HF management. Research results were summarized in evidence-based guidelines by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, now called Agency for Health Care Policy and Research and Quality (AHRQ), the ACC/ AHA and the Heart Failure Society of America. Since the widespread publication of these guidelines, advances have been made in the provision of evidence-based HF management (Washburn et al. 2005). Multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation programmes that include patient education, exercise training, and lifestyle modification can improve symptoms, functional performance and health-related quality of life (QOL) in older patients with HF (Gary et al. 2004, Austin et al. 2005).