Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 25, 2026
07:09
A Surgical Model of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in Tibetan Minipigs
Published on: February 18, 2022
2.5K
Heart Failure: Overcoming the Physiologic Dilemma Through Evidence-Based Practice
Sheila Melander1, Stephen Miller2
1Norton's Healthcare System, University of Kentucky, 3682 Briarcliff Trace, Owensboro, KY 42303, USA.
The Nursing Clinics of North America
|February 22, 2016
Summary
Recent advancements in heart failure (HF) treatments improve survival and quality of life. However, older patients with comorbidities require customized care due to limited trial data and risks of adverse drug interactions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) treatment has advanced, improving outcomes.
- The majority of HF patients are over 65 years old.
- Older adults often have multiple comorbidities and are underrepresented in clinical trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for customized treatment strategies for older heart failure patients.
- To emphasize the risks associated with polypharmacy in this population.
Main Methods:
- Review of current treatment guidelines and clinical trial data.
- Analysis of challenges in applying evidence to older adults with multiple comorbidities.
Main Results:
- Improved survival and quality of life are observed with modern HF therapies.
- Limited evidence exists for the optimal management of elderly HF patients with complex conditions.
- Older patients with multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy face high risks of adverse events and drug interactions.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic approaches for heart failure in older adults require personalization.
- Healthcare providers must carefully manage polypharmacy to mitigate risks in elderly HF patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
684
The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...
684
01:22Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
537
Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
537
01:30Heart Failure V: Medical Management
512
Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
512
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
4.5K
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
4.5K
01:30Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation
574
Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
574
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
1.3K
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
1.3K