Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine
10:08

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine

Published on: February 17, 2018

14.0K

Chronic heart failure in the elderly: still a current medical problem

Agnieszka Skrzypek1, Magdalena Mostowik2, Marta Szeliga2

  • 1Department of Medical Education, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland. agnieszka.skrzypek@gmail.com.

Folia Medica Cracoviensia
|February 13, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing congestive heart failure (CHF) in seniors is difficult, often presenting atypically. This study characterizes CHF in older adults, noting unique features and management considerations for improved patient comfort.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatrics
  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Congestive heart failure (CHF) represents the advanced stage of various cardiac conditions.
  • Diagnosing CHF in the elderly population presents unique challenges.
  • Preserved left ventricular systolic function is a common characteristic of CHF in seniors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize elderly patients diagnosed with CHF.
  • To identify and highlight specific features of CHF in senior patients.
  • To inform clinical approaches for managing heart failure in older adults.

Main Methods:

  • This study involved a characterization of elderly patients with CHF.
  • The methodology focused on identifying specific features of the condition in this demographic.
  • Retrospective and prospective data analysis may have been employed (details not specified in the abstract).

Main Results:

  • Hypertension and coronary heart disease are the most frequent etiologies of heart failure (HF) in seniors.
  • Atypical presentations of chronic heart failure are more prevalent in older individuals compared to younger patients.
  • Factors such as malnutrition, limited exercise, sedentary lifestyles, and comorbidities influence the asymptomatic or early stages of HF.
  • Obesity paradoxically correlates with better treatment outcomes in this population.
  • Open communication and palliative care are crucial for end-of-life heart failure management.

Conclusions:

  • CHF in seniors exhibits distinct clinical characteristics and etiological patterns.
  • Management strategies should address atypical presentations and influencing comorbidities.
  • The obesity paradox warrants further investigation in geriatric HF.
  • Effective communication and palliative care are essential for optimizing comfort and quality of life in end-of-life HF scenarios.

Keywords:
cachexiacongestive heart failurepalliative careseniors

More Related Videos

Induction and Phenotyping of Acute Right Heart Failure in a Large Animal Model of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension07:41

Induction and Phenotyping of Acute Right Heart Failure in a Large Animal Model of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Published on: March 17, 2022

3.4K
Author Spotlight: Investigating HR-Dependent Cardiac Function in Mouse Models Through a Novel Atrial-Pacing Approach07:49

Author Spotlight: Investigating HR-Dependent Cardiac Function in Mouse Models Through a Novel Atrial-Pacing Approach

Published on: July 21, 2023

2.0K

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

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...
305
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

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...
894
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

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...
3.5K
Heart Failure I: Introduction01:27

Heart Failure I: Introduction

Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
865
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

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.
329
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics

Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
963