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The Chapter contains information about the prevalence of heart failure (HF) among patients in outpatient practice. The causal structure of HF, the prevalence of risk factors for HF, and the occurrence of a reduced ejection fraction are described. It describes the frequency of overdiagnosis of HF, the disease most often simulating its symptoms. The difficulties associated with laboratory and instrumental diagnostics of this syndrome are discussed. A pharmacological test for differential diagnosis of the causes of dyspnea in patients with suspected HF is described. Information is provided on the incidence of depressive and anxiety among the patients with this disease.

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The analysis of 75 cases of refusal to hospitalize patients with acute decompensated heart failure was carried out. The overwhelming majority turned out to be elderly women with a high incidence of cognitive impairment. Among the reasons for refusal, 47% indicated an improvement in their condition after receiving assistance from an ambulance team. Such a decision is often based on an apathetic type of attitude towards the disease. At least one in four patients who refuse hospitalization is re-hospitalized or dies within the next 30 days.

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