Chronic heart failure: Difference between revisions

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== Definition ==
+
== Background ==
   
  +
===Definition===
* A syndrome of volume overload and poor tissue perfusion that is caused by cardiac dysfunction and is characterized by dyspnea, fatigue, and edema
 
* Two broad types:
 
** Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction <40% (HFrEF or systolic dysfunction)
 
** Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF or diastolic dysfunction)
 
   
  +
*A syndrome of volume overload and poor tissue perfusion that is caused by cardiac dysfunction and is characterized by dyspnea, fatigue, and edema
== Stages ==
 
  +
*Two broad types:
  +
**Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction <40% (HFrEF or systolic dysfunction)
  +
**Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF or diastolic dysfunction)
   
  +
===Stages===
* '''Stage A:''' no structural heart disease or symptoms but high risk for developing HF (e.g., patients with diabetes mellitus or hypertension)
 
* '''Stage B:''' structural heart disease without symptoms of HF (e.g., patients with a previous MI and asymptomatic LV dysfunction)
 
* '''Stage C:''' structural heart disease with symptoms of HF (e.g., patients with a previous MI with dyspnea and fatigue)
 
* '''Stage D:''' refractory HF requiring special interventions (e.g., patients with refractory HF who are awaiting cardiac transplantation).
 
   
  +
*'''Stage A:''' no structural heart disease or symptoms but high risk for developing HF (e.g., patients with diabetes mellitus or hypertension)
== Etiology ==
 
  +
*'''Stage B:''' structural heart disease without symptoms of HF (e.g., patients with a previous MI and asymptomatic LV dysfunction)
  +
*'''Stage C:''' structural heart disease with symptoms of HF (e.g., patients with a previous MI with dyspnea and fatigue)
  +
*'''Stage D:''' refractory HF requiring special interventions (e.g., patients with refractory HF who are awaiting cardiac transplantation).
   
  +
===Etiologies===
* HFrEF
 
** Coronary artery disease
 
** Myocardial infarction
 
** Hypertension
 
* HFpEF
 
** Myocardial infarction
 
** Hypertension
 
   
== Differential Diagnosis ==
+
==== By Subtype ====
   
  +
*HFrEF
* Common
 
  +
**[[Coronary artery disease]] (most common)
** Tachyarrhythmia
 
  +
**[[Hypertension]] (most common)
** Valvular disease
 
  +
**Viral infection
** If CAD risk factors:
 
  +
**Chronic alcohol use
*** Coronary artery disease
 
  +
**[[Valvular heart disease]]
*** Hypertensive cardiomyopathy
 
  +
**[[Chemotherapy]], such as [[doxorubicin]] or [[trastuzumab]]
* Other risks
 
  +
**[[Peripartum cardiomyopathy]]
** Toxic agents: alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, steroids, chemotherapy, heavy metals, radiation
 
  +
**[[Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy]]
** Pregnancy: PPCM, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes
 
  +
**Genetic causes of [[cardiomyopathy]]
** Inflammatory or infectious: myocarditis, sarcoidosis, infectious hypereosinophilia, giant celll lymphocytic, auto-immune diseases
 
  +
*HFpEF
** Metabolic: diabetes, thyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency, pheochromocytoma, Cushing disease
 
  +
**[[Hypertension]] (most common)
** Nutritional: thiamine deficiency, selenium deficiency, malnutrition, obesity
 
  +
**[[Myocardial infarction]]
** Infiltrative: amyloidosis, glycogen storage disease, Fabry disease
 
** Hereditary: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, ARVC, LV noncompaction, hemochromatosis
 
** Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
 
   
  +
==== By Cardiomyopathy ====
== Epidemiology ==
 
   
  +
* Dilated cardiomyopathy: toxins (alcohol, cocaine, chemotherapy), myocarditis, Chagas disease, peripartum cardiopmyopathy, familial cardiomyopathies
* 6-10% of people over age 65
 
  +
* Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: hypertension
  +
* Restrictive cardiomyopathy
  +
* Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
  +
* Unclassified cardiomyopathy: [[Takotsubo cardiomyopathy]], [[non-compaction cardiomyopathy]]
   
== Risk Factors ==
+
==== By Risk Factor ====
   
  +
*Common
* Previous episode of acute heart failure
 
  +
**Tachyarrhythmia
* Prior atrial fibrillation or coronary bypass surgery
 
  +
**Valvular disease
* Myocardial infarction
 
  +
**If CAD risk factors:
* Coronary artery disease
 
  +
***Coronary artery disease
* Diabetes
 
  +
***Hypertensive cardiomyopathy
* Hypertension
 
  +
*Other risks
  +
**Toxic agents: alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, steroids, chemotherapy, heavy metals, radiation
  +
**Pregnancy: PPCM, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes
  +
**Inflammatory or infectious: myocarditis, sarcoidosis, infectious hypereosinophilia, giant celll lymphocytic, auto-immune diseases
  +
**Metabolic: diabetes, thyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency, pheochromocytoma, Cushing disease
  +
**Nutritional: thiamine deficiency, selenium deficiency, malnutrition, obesity
  +
**Infiltrative: amyloidosis, glycogen storage disease, Fabry disease
  +
**Hereditary: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, ARVC, LV noncompaction, hemochromatosis
  +
**Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
   
  +
===Epidemiology===
== Clinical Manifestations ==
 
   
  +
*6-10% of people over age 65
=== History ===
 
   
  +
===Risk Factors===
* Hx of heart failure, MI, or CAD
 
* Dyspnea on exertion
 
* Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
 
* Orthopnea
 
* Fatigue
 
* Determine [[NYHA classification of functional status]]
 
   
  +
*Previous episode of [[acute heart failure]]
=== Signs & Symptoms ===
 
  +
*Prior [[atrial fibrillation]] or [[coronary artery bypass surgery]]
  +
*[[Myocardial infarction]]
  +
*[[Coronary artery disease]]
  +
*[[Diabetes mellitus]]
  +
*[[Hypertension]]
   
  +
==Clinical Manifestations==
* Cardiac exam: S3 present, abdominojugular reflux, elevated JVP
 
  +
* Respiratory exam: crackles/rales
 
  +
===History===
* Lower extremity edema
 
  +
  +
*Hx of heart failure, MI, or CAD
  +
*Dyspnea on exertion
  +
*Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
  +
*Orthopnea
  +
*Fatigue
  +
*Determine [[NYHA classification of functional status]]
  +
  +
===Signs & Symptoms===
  +
  +
*Cardiac exam: S3 present, abdominojugular reflux, elevated JVP
  +
*Respiratory exam: crackles/rales
  +
*Lower extremity edema
   
 
{|
 
{|
 
!
 
!
! Dry
+
!Dry
! Wet
+
!Wet
 
|-
 
|-
| Warm
+
|Warm
| Less congested<br/>Better-perfused
+
|Less congested<br />Better-perfused
| More congested<br/>Better-perfused
+
|More congested<br />Better-perfused
 
|-
 
|-
| Cold
+
|Cold
| Less congested<br/>Poorly perfused
+
|Less congested<br />Poorly perfused
| Less congested<br/>Poorly perfused
+
|Less congested<br />Poorly perfused
|}
+
|}<br />
  +
==Investigations==
   
  +
*Lab
== Investigations ==
 
  +
**Troponins
  +
**Natriuretic peptide (if diagnosis uncertain)
  +
***NT-proBNP &gt; 450 pg/mL if age &lt; 50 years and &gt; 900 pg/mL if age &gt; 50 years; &lt;100 pg/mL helps rule it out
  +
*Imaging
  +
**Chest X-ray showing pulmonary venous or interstitial edema, cardiomegaly, or pleural effusions
  +
*Other
  +
**EKG showing new atrial fibrillation, ischemic changes, or any other abnormality
  +
**Echocardiography
  +
***Systolic heart failure
  +
****Reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF)
  +
***Diastolic heart failure
  +
****E/A ratio less than 1
  +
****MV deceleration time &gt; 220ms
   
  +
==Management==
* Lab
 
** Troponins
 
** Natriuretic peptide (if diagnosis uncertain)
 
*** NT-proBNP &gt; 450 pg/mL if age &lt; 50 years and &gt; 900 pg/mL if age &gt; 50 years; &lt;100 pg/mL helps rule it out
 
* Imaging
 
** Chest X-ray showing pulmonary venous or interstitial edema, cardiomegaly, or pleural effusions
 
* Other
 
** EKG showing new atrial fibrillation, ischemic changes, or any other abnormality
 
** Echocardiography
 
*** Systolic heart failure
 
**** Reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF)
 
*** Diastolic heart failure
 
**** E/A ratio less than 1
 
**** MV deceleration time &gt; 220ms
 
   
  +
* See also [[Acute heart failure management]]
== Management ==
 
   
  +
===Non-Pharmacologic Management===
=== Acute heart failure ===
 
   
  +
*Regular exercise 3-5 times a week for 30-45 min per session (after stress test)
See also [[Acute heart failure management]]
 
  +
*No-added-salt diet (2-3 g/day); 1-2g/day if severe fluid retention
  +
*Fluid limited to 1.5 L/day to 2 L/day from all sources, if diuretics fail
  +
*Consider referral to multidisciplinary outpatient clinic
   
  +
===Manage Comorbidities===
* Position the patient upright, ideally with legs over bed to aid venous pooling and decrease preload
 
* Supplemental oxygen, stepping up from nasal prongs to face mask to BiPAP to intubation and ventilation, as necessary
 
* Furosemide IV 40-80mg depending on severity, for volume reduction; or infusion 5-20mg/h
 
* Fluid and salt restrict
 
* Monitor urine output
 
* Monitor daily weights
 
** Target 1kg (0.5-1.5) weight loss with 3L urine output daily
 
* Can escalate up to 20mg/h furosemide with 5mg BID metolazone
 
* SBP &lt; 90 / MAP &lt; 60
 
** Consider dopamine or other vasopressor
 
** Consider dobutamine
 
* SBP 90-100 / MAP 60-65:
 
** Consider PA catheter
 
** Consider dobutamine or milrinone
 
* SBP &gt;100 or MAP&gt;65
 
** Nitroglycerin transdermal patch 0.4-0.8mg/h, for afterload reduction
 
** Alternate: nitroglycerin infusion titrated to maintain BP
 
* Supportive care with morphine or hydromorphone, for pain and dyspnea
 
* At discharge:
 
** Document weight (should be lower than admission)
 
** Document BNP (should be lower than admission)
 
* HFpEF
 
** Control blood pressure (most common cause is hypertension)
 
** ACEi/ARB, especially candesartan, is probably best for ACEi
 
** Consider aldosterone antagonist
 
** Monitor and maintain volume status
 
* Advanced HF therapies (mechanical support, transplant)
 
** LVEF &lt;25%
 
** End-organ dysfunction
 
** Recurrent hospitalizations 2x/12months unexplained
 
** Unable to tolerate medical therapies, including hypotension
 
** Diuretic refractory
 
** Inotropic support
 
** Pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure
 
** Six-minute walk test &lt;300m
 
** Increased 1yr mortality &gt;20%
 
** Renal or hepatic dysfunction
 
** Chronic hyponatremia &lt;134 chronically
 
** Cardiac cachexia
 
** Unable to tolerate ADLs
 
   
  +
*Replace iron-deficiency with IV iron (improves quality of life)
=== Chronic heart failure ===
 
  +
*Avoid treating diabetes with glitazones, prefer SGLT-2 inhibitors
  +
*Treat hypertension, especially in HFpEF
   
  +
===Pharmacologic Treatments===
==== Non-pharmacologic management ====
 
   
  +
*Treat cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, atherosclerotic disease)
* Regular exercise 3-5 times a week for 30-45 min per session (after stress test)
 
  +
**Previous MI: ASA 81mg po daily if indicated for secondary prevention
* No-added-salt diet (2-3 g/day); 1-2g/day if severe fluid retention
 
  +
**Atrial fibrillation: warfarin or other anticoagulation
* Fluid limited to 1.5 L/day to 2 L/day from all sources, if diuretics fail
 
  +
*Overall approach is triple therapy: ACEi, beta-blockers, aldosterone agonists
* Consider referral to multidisciplinary outpatient clinic
 
  +
*Reassess NYHA class after maximizing treatment
  +
**NYHA I: continue
  +
**NYHA II-IV and sinus rhythm with HR ≥70: add ivabradine and switch ACEi to ARNI (Entresto)
  +
**NYHA II-IV and sinus rhythm with HR &lt; 70bpm or AF or pacemaker: switch ACEi to ARNI (Entresto)
  +
*Reassess LVEF
  +
**If NYHA I-III and LVEF ≤35%: consider ICD/CRT
  +
**NYHA IV: consider hydralazine/nitrates, referral for mechanical support or transplant, refer to palliative care
  +
*HFrEF:
  +
**First-line: ACE inhibitor (second-line: ARB)
  +
**First-line: beta-blocker (second-line: CCB)
  +
***Titrate slowly, doubling dose q2-4 weeks
  +
***Objective improvement may take 6-12 months
  +
**If severe symptoms and LVEF&lt;30%: aldosterone antagonist
  +
**If African-American: consider adding ISDN
  +
**If congestive symptoms:
  +
***First-line: loop diuretic at lowest minimal dose required to control symptoms
  +
***Second-line: consider adding thiazide or low-dose metolazone
  +
***Last-line: consider adding digoxin if severe symptoms or poorly-controlled atrial fibrillation
  +
*Monitor blood pressure while titrating up medication
   
==== Comorbidities ====
+
===Procedures===
   
  +
*Cardiac resynchronization therapy is indicated when LVEF&lt;30%, LBBB, and QRS &gt; 150ms
* Replace iron-deficiency with IV iron (improves quality of life)
 
  +
*Devices
* Avoid treating diabetes with glitazones, prefer SGLT-2 inhibitors
 
  +
**ICD if EF &lt;35%
* Treat hypertension, especially in HFpEF
 
  +
**CRT +/- ICD if reduced EF and LBBB
  +
*Implantable hemodynamic monitor (CardioMEMS)
  +
**Pulmonary artery pressure sensor
  +
**Better than daily weights for predicting heart failure exacerbations
  +
**Reduces hospitalizations by 30%
  +
**Studied in HFpEF and HFrEF
  +
**Expensive! $20k
  +
*Surgery: see advanced therapies, below
   
==== Pharmacologic treatments ====
+
=== Advanced Therapies ===
   
  +
* Consider advanced therapies such as ventricular assist device or cardiac transplantation when heart failure is severe and refractory
* Treat cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, atherosclerotic disease)
 
  +
* Possible indications include:
** Previous MI: ASA 81mg po daily if indicated for secondary prevention
 
  +
** LVEF &lt;25%
** Atrial fibrillation: warfarin or other anticoagulation
 
  +
**End-organ dysfunction
* Overall approach is triple therapy: ACEi, beta-blockers, aldosterone agonists
 
  +
**Recurrent hospitalizations 2x/12months unexplained
* Reassess NYHA class after maximizing treatment
 
  +
**Unable to tolerate medical therapies, including hypotension
** NYHA I: continue
 
  +
**Diuretic refractory
** NYHA II-IV and sinus rhythm with HR ≥70: add ivabradine and switch ACEi to ARNI (Entresto)
 
  +
**Inotropic support
** NYHA II-IV and sinus rhythm with HR &lt; 70bpm or AF or pacemaker: switch ACEi to ARNI (Entresto)
 
  +
**Pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure
* Reassess LVEF
 
  +
**Six-minute walk test &lt;300m
** If NYHA I-III and LVEF ≤35%: consider ICD/CRT
 
  +
**Increased 1yr mortality &gt;20%
** NYHA IV: consider hydralazine/nitrates, referral for mechanical support or transplant, refer to palliative care
 
  +
**Renal or hepatic dysfunction
* HFrEF:
 
  +
**Chronic hyponatremia &lt;134 chronically
** First-line: ACE inhibitor (second-line: ARB)
 
  +
**Cardiac cachexia
** First-line: beta-blocker (second-line: CCB)
 
  +
**Unable to tolerate ADLs
*** Titrate slowly, doubling dose q2-4 weeks
 
*** Objective improvement may take 6-12 months
 
** If severe symptoms and LVEF&lt;30%: aldosterone antagonist
 
** If African-American: consider adding ISDN
 
** If congestive symptoms:
 
*** First-line: loop diuretic at lowest minimal dose required to control symptoms
 
*** Second-line: consider adding thiazide or low-dose metolazone
 
*** Last-line: consider adding digoxin if severe symptoms or poorly-controlled atrial fibrillation
 
* Monitor blood pressure while titrating up medication
 
 
==== Procedures ====
 
 
* Cardiac resynchronization therapy is indicated when LVEF&lt;30%, LBBB, and QRS &gt; 150ms
 
* Devices
 
** ICD if EF &lt;35%
 
** CRT +/- ICD if reduced EF and LBBB
 
* Implantable hemodynamic monitor (CardioMEMS)
 
** Pulmonary artery pressure sensor
 
** Better than daily weights for predicting heart failure exacerbations
 
** Reduces hospitalizations by 30%
 
** Studied in HFpEF and HFrEF
 
** Expensive! $20k
 
* Surgery
 
** Ventricular assist devices
 
** CABG
 
** Transplant
 
   
== Prognosis ==
+
==Prognosis==
   
* 30-40% of patients die within 1 year of diagnosis and 60-70% die within 5 years
+
*30-40% of patients die within 1 year of diagnosis and 60-70% die within 5 years
* NYHA II have a 5-10% annual mortality rate
+
*NYHA II have a 5-10% annual mortality rate
* NYHA IV have a 30--70% annual mortality rate
+
*NYHA IV have a 30--70% annual mortality rate
* [https://www.mdcalc.com/maggic-risk-calculator-heart-failure MAGGIC risk score]
+
*[https://www.mdcalc.com/maggic-risk-calculator-heart-failure MAGGIC risk score]
** Estimates 1 and 3 year survival
+
**Estimates 1 and 3 year survival
   
== Palliative Care ==
+
==Palliative Care==
   
== Further Reading ==
+
==Further Reading==
   
* [http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/content.aspx?bookid=331&sectionid=40727009 Harrison's 19e (Ch 234)]
+
*[http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/content.aspx?bookid=331&sectionid=40727009 Harrison's 19e (Ch 234)]
* [http://www.ccs.ca/images/Guidelines/Guidelines_POS_Library/HF_CC_2006.pdf CCS Heart Failure Guidelines Update 2006]
+
*[http://www.ccs.ca/images/Guidelines/Guidelines_POS_Library/HF_CC_2006.pdf CCS Heart Failure Guidelines Update 2006]
* [https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.294.15.1944 Does this dyspneic patient in the emergency department have congestive heart failure? JAMA RCE 2005]
+
*[https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.294.15.1944 Does this dyspneic patient in the emergency department have congestive heart failure? JAMA RCE 2005]
   
 
[[Category:Cardiology]]
 
[[Category:Cardiology]]

Revision as of 22:11, 21 February 2021

Background

Definition

  • A syndrome of volume overload and poor tissue perfusion that is caused by cardiac dysfunction and is characterized by dyspnea, fatigue, and edema
  • Two broad types:
    • Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction <40% (HFrEF or systolic dysfunction)
    • Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF or diastolic dysfunction)

Stages

  • Stage A: no structural heart disease or symptoms but high risk for developing HF (e.g., patients with diabetes mellitus or hypertension)
  • Stage B: structural heart disease without symptoms of HF (e.g., patients with a previous MI and asymptomatic LV dysfunction)
  • Stage C: structural heart disease with symptoms of HF (e.g., patients with a previous MI with dyspnea and fatigue)
  • Stage D: refractory HF requiring special interventions (e.g., patients with refractory HF who are awaiting cardiac transplantation).

Etiologies

By Subtype

By Cardiomyopathy

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy: toxins (alcohol, cocaine, chemotherapy), myocarditis, Chagas disease, peripartum cardiopmyopathy, familial cardiomyopathies
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: hypertension
  • Restrictive cardiomyopathy
  • Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
  • Unclassified cardiomyopathy: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, non-compaction cardiomyopathy

By Risk Factor

  • Common
    • Tachyarrhythmia
    • Valvular disease
    • If CAD risk factors:
      • Coronary artery disease
      • Hypertensive cardiomyopathy
  • Other risks
    • Toxic agents: alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, steroids, chemotherapy, heavy metals, radiation
    • Pregnancy: PPCM, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes
    • Inflammatory or infectious: myocarditis, sarcoidosis, infectious hypereosinophilia, giant celll lymphocytic, auto-immune diseases
    • Metabolic: diabetes, thyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency, pheochromocytoma, Cushing disease
    • Nutritional: thiamine deficiency, selenium deficiency, malnutrition, obesity
    • Infiltrative: amyloidosis, glycogen storage disease, Fabry disease
    • Hereditary: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, ARVC, LV noncompaction, hemochromatosis
    • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Epidemiology

  • 6-10% of people over age 65

Risk Factors

Clinical Manifestations

History

Signs & Symptoms

  • Cardiac exam: S3 present, abdominojugular reflux, elevated JVP
  • Respiratory exam: crackles/rales
  • Lower extremity edema
Dry Wet
Warm Less congested
Better-perfused
More congested
Better-perfused
Cold Less congested
Poorly perfused
Less congested
Poorly perfused


Investigations

  • Lab
    • Troponins
    • Natriuretic peptide (if diagnosis uncertain)
      • NT-proBNP > 450 pg/mL if age < 50 years and > 900 pg/mL if age > 50 years; <100 pg/mL helps rule it out
  • Imaging
    • Chest X-ray showing pulmonary venous or interstitial edema, cardiomegaly, or pleural effusions
  • Other
    • EKG showing new atrial fibrillation, ischemic changes, or any other abnormality
    • Echocardiography
      • Systolic heart failure
        • Reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF)
      • Diastolic heart failure
        • E/A ratio less than 1
        • MV deceleration time > 220ms

Management

Non-Pharmacologic Management

  • Regular exercise 3-5 times a week for 30-45 min per session (after stress test)
  • No-added-salt diet (2-3 g/day); 1-2g/day if severe fluid retention
  • Fluid limited to 1.5 L/day to 2 L/day from all sources, if diuretics fail
  • Consider referral to multidisciplinary outpatient clinic

Manage Comorbidities

  • Replace iron-deficiency with IV iron (improves quality of life)
  • Avoid treating diabetes with glitazones, prefer SGLT-2 inhibitors
  • Treat hypertension, especially in HFpEF

Pharmacologic Treatments

  • Treat cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, atherosclerotic disease)
    • Previous MI: ASA 81mg po daily if indicated for secondary prevention
    • Atrial fibrillation: warfarin or other anticoagulation
  • Overall approach is triple therapy: ACEi, beta-blockers, aldosterone agonists
  • Reassess NYHA class after maximizing treatment
    • NYHA I: continue
    • NYHA II-IV and sinus rhythm with HR ≥70: add ivabradine and switch ACEi to ARNI (Entresto)
    • NYHA II-IV and sinus rhythm with HR < 70bpm or AF or pacemaker: switch ACEi to ARNI (Entresto)
  • Reassess LVEF
    • If NYHA I-III and LVEF ≤35%: consider ICD/CRT
    • NYHA IV: consider hydralazine/nitrates, referral for mechanical support or transplant, refer to palliative care
  • HFrEF:
    • First-line: ACE inhibitor (second-line: ARB)
    • First-line: beta-blocker (second-line: CCB)
      • Titrate slowly, doubling dose q2-4 weeks
      • Objective improvement may take 6-12 months
    • If severe symptoms and LVEF<30%: aldosterone antagonist
    • If African-American: consider adding ISDN
    • If congestive symptoms:
      • First-line: loop diuretic at lowest minimal dose required to control symptoms
      • Second-line: consider adding thiazide or low-dose metolazone
      • Last-line: consider adding digoxin if severe symptoms or poorly-controlled atrial fibrillation
  • Monitor blood pressure while titrating up medication

Procedures

  • Cardiac resynchronization therapy is indicated when LVEF<30%, LBBB, and QRS > 150ms
  • Devices
    • ICD if EF <35%
    • CRT +/- ICD if reduced EF and LBBB
  • Implantable hemodynamic monitor (CardioMEMS)
    • Pulmonary artery pressure sensor
    • Better than daily weights for predicting heart failure exacerbations
    • Reduces hospitalizations by 30%
    • Studied in HFpEF and HFrEF
    • Expensive! $20k
  • Surgery: see advanced therapies, below

Advanced Therapies

  • Consider advanced therapies such as ventricular assist device or cardiac transplantation when heart failure is severe and refractory
  • Possible indications include:
    • LVEF <25%
    • End-organ dysfunction
    • Recurrent hospitalizations 2x/12months unexplained
    • Unable to tolerate medical therapies, including hypotension
    • Diuretic refractory
    • Inotropic support
    • Pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure
    • Six-minute walk test <300m
    • Increased 1yr mortality >20%
    • Renal or hepatic dysfunction
    • Chronic hyponatremia <134 chronically
    • Cardiac cachexia
    • Unable to tolerate ADLs

Prognosis

  • 30-40% of patients die within 1 year of diagnosis and 60-70% die within 5 years
  • NYHA II have a 5-10% annual mortality rate
  • NYHA IV have a 30--70% annual mortality rate
  • MAGGIC risk score
    • Estimates 1 and 3 year survival

Palliative Care

Further Reading