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Published on: July 12, 2024
Systolic Heart Failure: An Update for Home Healthcare Clinicians
Teri Capriotti1, Breanna Ashline
1Teri Capriotti, DO, MSN, CRNP, is a Clinical Associate Professor, Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania. Breanna Ashline, BSN, is an Honors Student, Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania.
Insights
Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health concern. This review covers the pathophysiology and treatment of HF, offering insights for home care clinicians.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) is a major public health issue with increasing prevalence.
- Aging population and improved survival post-cardiac events contribute to HF rise.
- HF involves cardiac disorders impairing ventricular filling or ejection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of heart failure.
- To discuss current treatment strategies for heart failure.
- To explore implications for home care clinicians.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of heart failure pathophysiology.
- Synthesis of current heart failure treatment guidelines.
- Discussion of clinical implications for home care.
Main Results:
- Systolic HF characterized by diminished left ventricular contractility (ejection fraction < 40%).
- Comprehensive understanding of HF pathophysiology is crucial for effective management.
- Evidence-based treatments are available to manage HF symptoms and progression.
Conclusions:
- Heart failure management requires a multi-faceted approach.
- Home care clinicians play a vital role in HF patient support.
- Continued research is needed to improve HF outcomes.
Abstract:
Heart failure (HF) is a significant public health problem that is projected to increase in prevalence in the next 20 years due to a growing aged population and improved survival after acute cardiac events. The American College of Cardiology (2019) defines HF as a complex clinical syndrome that can result from any structural or functional cardiac disorder that impairs the ability of the ventricle to fill or eject blood. In systolic HF, the left ventricular muscle has diminished contractility and ejection fraction is less than 40%. This article will review the pathophysiology and treatment of HF. Implications for home care clinicians are discussed.
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