Inconsistencies in the development of the ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines for Heart Failure

Abstract

The publication of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the management of heart failure, in 2012 represented the latest and arguably the most comprehensive document to date summarising recommended treatment and diagnostic options for the care of heart failure patients. The impact of clinical practice guidelines is now so great that it is important to review the processes that underlie guideline development. The ESC guideline process is compared and contrasted to those of other guideline bodies. The ESC uses its own internal experts inclined to review source clinical trial data rather than published or commissioned meta-analyses and systematic reviews. Uncertainties exist i..