I NEED HELP: How to Indentify Patients with Advanced Cardiac Dysfunction?

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by inadequate tissue oxygen supply. In spite of the best current approach to heart diseases, population aging in individuals with heart disease has resulted in increased incidence of HF.

In Brazil, HF represents the second leading cause of hospitalization due to cardiovascular diseases, and it has high mortality in its most advanced stage. The difficult recognition of therapeutic refractoriness can often lead to delays in referral to specialized centers that are able to promote reduced symptoms, improved quality of life, and increased survival.

Therapeutic options are limited in advanced HF, and heart transplantation is the therapy of choice. Organ availability is a major limitation, making circulatory support an increasingly present reality, with improved results.