What are the recommended monitoring guidelines for people with chronic heart failure?
All people with chronic heart failure need monitoring. This monitoring should include a clinical assessment of functional capacity, fluid status, cardiac rhythm (minimum of examining the pulse), cognitive status and nutritional status, a review of medication, including need for changes and possible side effects, and an assessment of renal function. More detailed monitoring will be needed if the person has significant comorbidity or if their condition has deteriorated since the previous review. The frequency of monitoring should depend on the clinical status and stability of the person. The monitoring interval should be short (days to 2 weeks) if the clinical condition or medication has changed, but is needed at least 6-monthly for stable people with proven heart failure. People with heart failure who wish to be involved in monitoring of their condition should be provided with sufficient education and support from their healthcare professional to do this, with clear guidelines as to what to do in the event of deterioration.