Heart failure (HF) will probably be the main issue in cardiology during the upcoming decades. Therefore, prevention of HF will play the key role. Biochemical diagnosis, particularly biomarker studies, are becoming more and more crucial. The paper presents novel recommendations concerning natriuretic peptide measurements in HF. In addition, some prognostic tools in chronic HF are discussed. Non-pharmacological treatment, indications for different groups of drugs according to the NYHA classification and device therapies are also presented. Finally, the paper discusses the most frequent causes of HF decompensation.