Palliative care for heart failure is one of the approaches for this type of condition, which is chronic and has low survival rates after diagnosis.
Therefore, both the medical and scientific communities are studying ways for these patients to remain stable and with adequate vital signs.
The approach to these cases is specific and certain medications are indicated to act on the symptoms that may arise, ensuring comfort for those at the end of their lives.
Check out this article about palliative care for heart failure for terminally ill patients and some studies on this topic.
Heart failure: chronic disease with rapid decline
As well as being a chronic condition, a large proportion of diagnosed patients have a survival rate of 2.1 years.
This happens because this problem leads to a rapid decline in the body's functioning in general, as well as a worsening of symptoms.
Separated into stages from A to D, the disease is classified according to its manifestations and, generally, those diagnosed in D are considered terminal, because even with the use of medication they present symptoms at rest.
It is normal for patients in the last stage of the disease to have a low quality of life, as they experience shortness of breath and difficulty moving, as well as pain, lethargy, among other signs.
In these cases, as conventional treatments can no longer reverse the situation, it is recommended to opt for the administration of palliative medications, so that they have more comfort during this final phase of their lives, which generally leads to death between 6 and 12 months.
About palliative care for heart failure
Many family members, as well as lay people, believe that palliative care for heart failure is limited to medication, however, it goes beyond that.
They consist of a set of treatments, both in terms of medication and to provide comfort, well-being and emotional support, especially in the terminal stages, for both the patient and their family.
Care can be provided in the patient's own home or in the hospital, depending on the risk of death and the need for devices to measure vital signs or life support.
They are indicated for patients with a terminal stage of the disease, as well as those who have a low survival expectation according to exams, clinical analyzes and, mainly, terminal symptoms.
Choosing the best care
Generally, patients who are in stage D have a multidisciplinary team, mainly made up of cardiologists, to study their cases and thus provide the best palliative care guidelines.
This team, in turn, is responsible for making group decisions to choose medications, among other types of interventions, so that each person has their needs met.
Especially in critical stages like these, it is interesting to study the greatest difficulties of the patient, as well as their family.
Exams and appearance of symptoms
There is no general rule in medicine about choosing the best care for these patients, however, many hospitals take into account the tests carried out and the appearance of symptoms that can interfere with quality of life, such as shortness of breath and lethargy even at rest.
Therefore, the focus of all palliative therapy is to reduce discomfort and maintain vital signs, ensuring better nights of sleep, movement, nutrition and even dialogue.
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