Quality statements
Statement 1 Adults presenting in primary care with suspected heart failure have their N‑terminal pro‑B‑type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measured. [2023]
Statement 2 Adults with suspected heart failure have specialist assessment and transthoracic echocardiography within 2 weeks of referral if they have a very high N‑terminal pro‑B‑type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level, or 6 weeks if they have a high NT-proBNP level. [2011, updated 2023]
Statement 3 Adults with newly diagnosed and pre-existing chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction receive all appropriate medication at optimal tolerated doses. [2011, updated 2025]
Statement 4 Adults with chronic heart failure have a review within 2 weeks of any change in the dose or type of their heart failure medication. [2016]
Statement 5 Adults with chronic heart failure have a review of their condition at least every 6 months. [2011, updated 2016]
Statement 6 Adults with chronic heart failure receive a personalised programme of cardiac rehabilitation. [2011, updated 2023]
In 2023, this quality standard was updated and statements prioritised in 2011 and 2016 were updated (2011, updated 2023), remained unchanged (2016), or were replaced (2023). For more information, see update information.
The previous version of the quality standard for chronic heart failure in adults is available as a pdf.