In this Healthed lecture, Dr Robert Hungerford describes when heart failure should be suspected, how it can be assessed and diagnosed, and the practicalities of initiating and intensifying treatment in keeping with the latest evidence-based, best practice guidelines. In addition, Dr Hungerford will describe how these patients should be monitored and managed long-term and when they need to be referred on, all with the aim of improving not only mortality but also their quality of life.