There is a wealth of evidence from a large number of high quality clinical trials to support the use of pharmacological therapy in all stages of heart failure. Treatment can improve quality of life by improving symptoms or slowing their deterioration, reducing admissions and re-admissions to hospital and, in some cases, by reducing mortality.

Community pharmacists are well placed to support patients and to derive the maximum benefits for the patient by ensuring that:

It is very important to be clear about the plan that the prescriber agreed with the patient to avoid providing contradictory or confusing information. Therefore liaising with the multidisciplinary team looking after the patient is essential. This includes the heart failure nurses, cardiology pharmacists and GPs.