NIHSeniorHealth.gov Adds Heart Failure Information

Women tend to live longer than men, so they have a greater chance of being affected by heart failure, a condition most prevalent among people age 65 and older, according to NIH's National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. But now family physicians can ensure that their older patients at increased risk for heart failure are not without resources to combat and prevent the condition.

NIH has added a section discussing heart failure to its NIHSeniorHealth Web site. Focus areas include information about the epidemiology and clinical course of heart failure, risk factors and prevention, symptoms and diagnosis, treatment, and research.

The site also includes frequently asked questions and a link to MedlinePlus, where patients can learn more about heart failure. The information presented at the NIHSeniorHealth site is written in a straightforward, easy-to-understand style. Most sections conclude with a brief quiz to reinforce the key points.

With more than 25 topic areas ranging from dry mouth to osteoporosis, and with easily adjustable text size and contrast options to enhance usability, the NIHSeniorHealth site may be a good resource for your older patients to learn more about their health.