Your management team

More than two thirds of patients with heart failure are under the exclusive care of a primary-care physician. Most clinical guidelines recommend that patients also be monitored routinely by a cardiologist who specializes in heart failure, with help from nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, exercise specialists, and social workers as needed.

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Managing congestive heart failure is as much the patient's as the physician's responsibility. Patients must take medications as directed, change their diet as necessary, cut back on fluids, exercise, quit smoking, make and keep follow-up appointments, and accurately report symptoms and any side effects of their medications to all doctors involved in their care. Also, while it may seem obvious, if you're not told when you should come again, ask--and make your next appointment before leaving the office.