Those over 65 especially at risk.

• Position: Heart Failure - Brief article

Every year, more than 660,000 new cases of heart failure are diagnosed in the U.S. Congestive heart failure affects nearly 5,300,000 Americans and is the leading cause of hospital admissions for individuals over 65. The number of cases continues to rise but, if properly controlled, individuals can live with the condition and even improve their quality of life.

Simply stated, congestive heart failure means that the heart cannot pump the required amount of blood for the body. The American Heart Association indicates that the number of individuals hospitalized with heart failure has increased more than 131% in the last 30 years. As the population of seniors is expected to rise in the U.S., this number also is expected to grow.

Currently, heart failure costs nearly $35,000,000.000 a year through direct and indirect costs...