Vulnerable Phase of Acute Heart Failure and its Association with Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program

center dot A cute heart failure (HF) is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in the United States (US) accounting for more than $30 billion to the US healthcare system annually.1,2 In addition to the economic burden, patients admitted for HF are at higher risk for readmission and mortality. Among the rehospitalizations for HF, approximately 20% are seen within the first 30 days and 50% within 6 months after initial hospitalization.3 An early post-discharge period termed the "vulnerable phase (VP) of HF" is associated with poor clinical outcomes.4 It is further categorized into three subphases: early, middle and late. The early phase is usually seen in patients who are discharged with only partial relief of congestion. The middle phase occurs in patients who are relatively well decongested after an episode of acute HF. However, the late phase can extend up to a duration of 6 months. Herein, we discuss the impact of this VP of heart failure on the Hospital Readmis