Evidence Based Management of Acute Heart Failure in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic

Lexin Wang1

  • 1Wagga Medical Centre, 4 Baylis Street, Wagga, NSW 2650 Australia.

Intensive Care Research
|July 31, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This editorial discusses challenges in heart failure patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It addresses critical issues impacting management strategies for heart failure during this global health crisis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare systems globally.
  • Heart failure (HF) management requires consistent and specialized medical attention.
  • The pandemic introduced unique challenges to routine HF care and emergency response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and discuss the key issues in managing heart failure patients amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To highlight the impact of pandemic-related factors on heart failure treatment and outcomes.
  • To provide insights into adapting heart failure management strategies during public health emergencies.

Main Methods:

  • This is an editorial, not a primary research study.
  • It synthesizes current knowledge and clinical observations.
  • Discussion is based on expert opinion and review of emerging literature.

Main Results:

  • Healthcare systems faced unprecedented strain, affecting access to HF care.
  • Disruptions included delayed diagnoses, treatment interruptions, and altered medication protocols.
  • Increased risk for HF patients due to COVID-19 infection and healthcare system overload.

Conclusions:

  • Effective heart failure management during pandemics requires adaptive strategies.
  • Maintaining essential HF services and patient monitoring is crucial.
  • Future preparedness for managing chronic conditions during health crises is essential.

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...
13
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.
16
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System01:26

Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System

The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
463
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
12
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
9
Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management01:26

Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management

Nursing Assessment:Nursing management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves taking the patient's history, focusing on primary complaints such as chest pain, dyspnea, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis), as well as other symptoms like back or jaw pain, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. The nurse also reviews the patient's history of cardiac events, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history, and current medications.In the objective assessment,...
17