Patient Selection, Referral Framework and Emerging Therapies in Severe Ischemic Heart Failure: A State-of-the-Art

Jawad Basit1, Ankit Hanmandlu2, Bourann Husainy2

  • 1Department of Medicine, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Insights

Severe ischemic heart disease may cause heart failure. Early referral for advanced therapies, including mechanical support or palliative care, can improve outcomes for patients with refractory symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Heart Failure Research

Background:

  • Chronic ischemic heart disease can result in myocardial damage and heart failure.
  • Evaluating patients with ischemic heart disease requires consideration of various factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the comprehensive evaluation process for patients with ischemic heart disease.
  • To identify criteria for early referral to advanced therapies for heart failure.

Main Methods:

  • Review of noninvasive assessments.
  • Physiologic testing and angiographic analysis.
  • Assessment of patient comorbidities and functional status.

Main Results:

  • Comprehensive evaluation guides revascularization decisions.
  • Specific clinical indicators prompt consideration of advanced therapies.
  • Mechanical circulatory support serves as a bridge to transplant.

Conclusions:

  • Early referral is crucial for patients with recurrent heart failure hospitalizations, right heart failure, refractory ventricular arrhythmias, or intolerance to medical therapy.
  • Mechanical support and palliative care are vital advanced therapy options.
  • Palliative services can enhance outcomes and quality of life for non-transplant candidates.

Related Concept Videos

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.
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...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
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...
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation

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...
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...