ABSTRACT
Any discussion on community management of heart failure should also include the fact that there is an asymptomatic phase of the condition. Heart failure and asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction are more prevalent than previously suspected.1 It is especially prevalent in the elderly and the incidence and prevalence increase sharply in the general population over 65 years of age. In this age group it is also the most common cause for hospital admissions. The rate of hospital admissions for heart failure has been increasing over the past decades, mainly in the elderly.2,3 The increasing number of patients with heart failure has been the focus of increasing attention as a result of worldwide pressure on health care providers to contain costs in a time of relative economic constraint. Indeed, the major part of costs associated with heart failure are related to hospital care.
