This document has been produced to bring together current advice on the evaluation and management of pediatric heart failure. It builds on the previous International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) guidelines published in 2004. The recently published 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure focused on the adult population; this document addresses children while recognizing the influence of adult heart failure practice on pediatric patients. It is intended to be a practical guide and provide evidence-based guidelines where possible. It summarizes and evaluates current management strategies with the intention of informing all health professionals involved in the management of children with heart failure of best practice. We recognize however that individual patient care and management is the responsibility of the health care team.
