Factors Affecting Decompensation and Rehospitalization in an Outpatient with Congestive Heart Failure

• have advanced heart failure (NYHA Class III or IV)?

• have uncontrolled hypertension?

• have coronary artery disease with angina?

• have bradycardia or a tachyarrhythmia?

• anemic?

• have a worsening in pulmonary function?

• have a deterioration in renal function?

• have poorly controlled diabetes?

• have a poor quality of life and/or depression?

• poorly adherent with medications?

• poorly adherent with diet and with restriction of sodium and water?

• been abusing alcohol or cocaine?

• taking a drug that causes sodium retention?

• have an infection?

• being close monitored with aggressive followup?

• having adjustments made to drug therapy to minimize side effects?

• been taught about the importance of medications, exercise and dietary restrictions?