[Education of patients with heart failure]

Chronic cardiac failure is a common complication of coronary artery disease and hypertension. It is observed above all in the elderly and represents a high public health cost, mainly due to hospital admissions. The education of patients with cardiac failure, and their families', will contribute to an improved cost/efficacy ratio of the management of this pathology. This educative process comprises a simple description of cardiac failure, its symptoms and aetiologies. Dietary advice is very important (salt intake, drinks...). Physical exercise, which is not contraindicated, should be adapted to the degree of functional impairment and the same applies to travelling and voyages. Medical treatment should be clearly explained, mode of action, dosage, expected benefit, side effects... Finally, the possible progression of the disease should be explained if arrangements have to be made. The possibility of cardiac transplantation should be discussed if the subject is young. Although the risk of sudden death is not usually spoken about, this common complication of cardiac failure justifies consideration and widespread instruction of cardiopulmonary ressuscitation.