Congestive heart failure (CHF) disproportionately afflicts Black and elderly people, and is a leading cause of hospitalization > 65 years. Although effective therapies can improve functioning and survival in patients with systolic dysfunction, many may not be receiving the full benefit of existing knowledge, including counseling on self-management and appropriate doses of medications. Patients play a critical role in managing a chronic condition such as CHF, but may not have the skills to do so. Clinicians may not provide counseling or medications consistent with evidence-based guidelines.