In Response to: A case study: CHF and depression

I read with interest the recent article, “A Case Study: CHF and Depression,” in the March issue of American Nurse Journal. The case is timely and important, particularly in highlighting the intersection of cardiovascular disease and mental health.

I was, however, surprised to see the continued use of the term “congestive heart failure (CHF)” in the title and throughout the article. Contemporary clinical guidelines from organizations such as the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association—most recently the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline—have standardized the use of “heart failure (HF)” as the preferred term.¹ This shift reflects a more accurate understanding of the condition as a complex clinical syndrome that is not always characterized by congestion.

While “CHF” remains familiar in clinical conversation, its use in published writing—particularly in titles—risks reinforcing an outdated conceptualization of the condition. More precise terminology would distinguish between heart failure broadly and specific clinical states such as acute decompensated heart failure with congestion.

Given the important role of the American Nurse Journal in shaping clinical understanding and professional language, I hope you will consider aligning terminology with current standards in future publications.

¹ Heidenreich PA, Bozkurt B, Aguilar D, et al. 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline for the management of heart failure: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Card Fail. 2022;28(5):e1-e167. doi:10.1016/j.cardfail.2022.02.010

Warm regards,
Leslie H. Nicoll, PhD, MBA, RN, FAAN
President & Owner, Maine Desk, LLC