Joanne Matos, 37, was born with an enlarged heart and has congestive heart failure. Despite a stroke and two silent heart ...

After an evaluation that rules out an acute coronary syndrome, she receives a diagnosis of heart failure. The N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level is 1529 pg per milliliter.

The key to treating congestive heart failure is addressing the underlying causes, and treatment is highly tailored to each patient's needs. Chris Bell, an acute care nurse practitioner who specializes ...