Why should palliative care clinicians learn about heart failure?

摘要

Two decades of research have changed our understanding of heart failure and its management. It remains a life-limiting illness with significant symptom burden and impact on the patient and family. Understanding heart failure and its management permits palliative care clinicians to meet palliative care needs of the patients and families appropriately. Misdiagnosis can be recognized and, when appropriate, medical management of heart failure patients can be optimized to reduce symptoms and improve function. Knowledge of heart failure is particularly important to management of symptoms and to supportive care for patients and their families.