Journal of palliative medicine
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This study describes progression to death for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). ⋯ Five typical illness trajectories have been described for patients with progressive heart failure. The needs of patients and their caregivers are likely to vary according to the trajectory patients are following. Contrary to reports in the literature about unexpected death in patients with CHF, the majority of decedents in our study had a predictable and gradual progression toward death. Recognizing these trajectories may help clinicians implement an appropriate plan to meet the needs of patients and their caregivers.