Late In-Hospital Management of Patients Hospitalized with Acute Heart Failure

Acute Heart Failure (AHF) hospitalization presents a significant financial burden and portends a poor prognosis following discharge. As such, there has been significant emphasis on the late inpatient management of patients hospitalized with AHF to ensure successful transition to the outpatient setting and to reduce overall readmission and mortality rates. Thorough discharge planning and a multidisciplinary team approach are essential and as outlined in this review should focus on four key elements: the assessment of patients' readiness for discharge, optimization of goal directed medical therapy and appropriate device therapy, patient education and transition to the outpatient care.