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Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

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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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 11, 2025

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Published on: February 13, 2021

Home Therapies in Advanced Heart Failure: Inotropes and Diuretics.

Jason P Graffagnino^1,2, Leslie C Avant^1,2, Bethany C Calkins³

¹Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA.

Current Heart Failure Reports

|August 25, 2020

Summary

Diuretic and inotropic therapies can alleviate heart failure (HF) symptoms and reduce hospitalizations, but carry risks. Careful consideration of benefits versus harms is crucial for improving quality of life (QOL) in advanced HF patients.

Keywords:

Advanced heart failure Diuretics Dyspnea Palliative care, inotropes

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Area of Science:

Cardiology
Pharmacology

Background:

Heart failure (HF) significantly impacts patient morbidity, mortality, and quality of life (QOL).
HF symptoms like dyspnea and fatigue stem from volume overload or low output states.

Purpose of the Study:

To review literature on diuretic and inotropic therapies for advanced HF.
To assess how these therapies improve QOL in advanced HF.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on diuretic and inotropic treatments in advanced HF.
Analysis of studies focusing on QOL improvements and associated risks.

Main Results:

Diuretics and inotropes can reduce symptoms and hospitalizations in advanced HF.
Both therapies present risks: diuretics can cause electrolyte/renal issues; inotropes may lead to arrhythmias/death.
Intravenous access, cost, and limited support complicate inotrope use.

Conclusions:

Ambulatory diuretic and inotropic use may enhance QOL via symptom management and fewer hospitalizations.
Treatment decisions must weigh the benefits of symptom relief against the inherent risks and limitations of these therapies.