The prevalence of congestive heart failure (CHF) is increasing, Most p
atients with CHF are elderly, and CHF is the most common dismissal dia
gnosis in elderly hospitalized patients, As many as 50% of elderly pat
ients with heart failure may have normal systolic function and isolate
d diastolic heart failure, Assessment and management of elderly patien
ts are complicated by comorbidities, increased susceptibility to side
effects, and concerns about the appropriate use of costly and invasive
procedures, The basics of the approach to the evaluation and manageme
nt of heart failure in elderly patients are reviewed.