State of the Science

Abstract

S elf-care is advocated as a method of improving outcomes from heart failure (HF), the final common pathway for several prevalent illnesses, including hypertension and coronary artery disease.HF is widespread in aging populations across the world. 1 The burden of HF is manifested in poor quality of life (QOL) 2,3 and early mortality. 4In addition, there are Ͼ3 million ambulatory care and emergency department visits 5 and well over 1 million hospitalizations for HF in the United States annually, 6 which contributes to the exorbitant costs associated with HF.Much of this healthcare utilization is thought to be preventable if patients engage in consistent self-care. 7,8his scientific statement seeks to highlight concepts and evidence important to the understanding and promotion of self-care in persons with HF.Specifically, the document describes what is known about (1) the self-care behaviors required of HF patients, (2) factors that make self-care challenging for patients, (3) interventions that promote selfcare, and (4) the effect of self-care on HF outcomes.The review ends with evidence-based recommendations for clinicians and direction for future research.The American Heart Association makes every effort to avoid any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of an outside relationship or a personal, professional, or business interest of a member of the writing panel.Specifically, all members of the writing group are required to complete and submit a Disclosure Questionnaire showing all such relationships that might be perceived as real or potential conflicts of interest.