Abstract
<jats:p>Heart failure (HF) is a progressive clinical syndrome characterised by structural or functional abnormalities of the heart, leading to elevated intracardiac pressures, and/or a reduced cardiac output at rest and/or during exercise. HF can be defined as either having a reduced or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction; both conditions present with some of the same signs and symptoms of HF. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is characterised by over activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is characterised by increased ventricular stiffness with impaired relaxation and is twice as likely to occur in women versus men. The chapter also focuses on the four pillars of heart failure: angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitors; beta‐blockers; mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists; and sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors. It then considers the effective dietary management of HF.</jats:p>