A retrospective, observational cohort analysis of a nationwide database to compare heart failure prescriptions and related health care utilization before and after publication of updated treatment guidelines in the United States.

Background: The current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) clinical guidelines for heart failure (HF), published September 20, 2005, provide a summary of the best evidence for treatment, but these recommendations are not always reflected in clinical practice.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare 6-month prescribing habits in the United States before and after the publication of updated clinical guidelines for the evaluation and management of HF and the impact of these prescribing habits on health care resource use.

Methods: This retrospective, observational cohort analysis used the Humana nationwide health insurance administrative claims database that includes -3.