**1. Introduction**

HF is the quintessential cardiovascular syndrome of aging that results from age-related cardiovascular conditions and age-associated changes in cardiovascular structure and function. The prevalence of HF among approximately 1–2% of the adult population in developed countries, rising to ≧10% among those over 70 years of age and the most common reason for hospitalization in older adults. Usually, as studies only include diagnosed HF cases, the true prevalence is likely to be higher [1, 2]. Although some progress has been made in reducing mortality in patients with HF, rates of rehospitalization continue to rise and approach 40–50% within 1 year after discharge [3, 4]. To reduce mortality and rehospitalization rate, it is widely recognized that, in addition to optimizing medical and device therapies for HF, attention should also be given to how HF care is delivered. Several position papers that cover non-pharmacological management, discharge planning, and standards for delivering HF care.

Appropriate self-management by patients with HF plays an important role in the prevention of HF decompensation and improvement of survival and quality of life (QOL) [5]. A literature review stated that most HF treatment figure on self-management intervention and focus on self-management strategies, such as to become more informed about their illness and be actively engaged in their own care, which

is necessary to improve the impact of self-management on long-term heart failure outcomes [6]. Therefore, nurses should play a key role in improving self-management by comprehensive patient assessment, patient-centered goal setting, evaluation of outcomes, encouraging health promotion, and self-management education. In addition, self-management for patients with HF support should be a part of routine health care, and effective strategies still need to be embedded into routine care. However, a study that surveyed the knowledge of community nurses revealed that they had a basic understanding of HF but scored poorly on weight assessment, blood pressure management, and reporting to physicians of dizziness [7]. This chapter focuses on self-management and lifestyle advice for patients with HF to prevent exacerbation and rehospitalization in the home setting.
