Treatment Strategies of Systolic vs. Diastolic Heart Failure

 

Medical care for patients with heart failure includes a number of pharmacologic, non pharmacologic, and invasive therapies aimed at limiting and reversing its manifestations.

Depending on the severity and the duration of the symptoms, patients may be advised non pharmacologic therapies that include dietary sodium restriction, limiting fluid intake, physical activities as appropriate, and maintaining a healthy weight.

The recommended pharmacologic therapies usually include the use of vasodilators, diuretics, anticoagulants, inotropic agents, digoxin, and beta-blockers.

Invasive therapies for cardiac failure may include electrophysiologic interventions such as CRT (cardiac resynchronization therapy), ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators), and pacemakers. In some cases, the patient may need to undergo revascularization procedures like CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) or PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention).

Ventricular restoration valve repair or replacement is recommended in severe cases.

Heart transplantation is often the last treatment when the other therapies fail to provide the expected improvement in the symptoms. It is specifically recommended for patients with progressive end-stage heart failure that becomes worse despite intensive medical therapy or when the prognosis is poor and no viable alternative is available.

However, the choice of the right treatment protocol for each patient depends on whether heart failure is due to the decline in the systolic or diastolic functions of the organ. The treatment may have to be modified deepening on the specific symptoms caused due to systolic and diastolic heart failure.

For example; patients with systolic heart failure usually have a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. These patients should be treated with diuretics, especially if fluid retention is severe. The treatment may be combined with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers if the patient has an intolerance to ACE inhibitors due to cough or angioneurotic edema.

Similarly, cardiac synchronized pacing may be considered in patients who have severe systolic heart failure.

The treatment of diastolic heart failure, on the other hand, may involve pharmacologic therapies such as diuretics with or without the use of angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors.

The treatments, though seemingly similar, need to be modified judiciously after assessing the underlying causes, precipitating factors, and risk factors of systolic and diastolic heart failure.  

Now you have an opportunity to upgrade your knowledge about the treatment of systolic vs diastolic heart failure by attending “5 NURSING CONTACT HOURS WILL BE AWARDED FOR CARDIOVASCULAR NURSING WEBINAR” on 8^th October 2020 from 3 pm to 8 pm. 

This seminar is being conducted by ATECAM LLC that has been an approved provider of NCPD (Nursing Continuing Professional Development) by the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association Approver Unit.

The purpose of this webinar is to educate nurses about the management of cardiovascular diseases, with a focus on the treatment strategies for congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

You will also learn the integrative approaches and diagnostic workup for patients with cardiovascular disorders. The webinar includes a discussion on the role of complementary therapy and aromatherapy in nursing care.

Join the webinar to keep yourself updated about the latest guidelines in nursing care for patients with cardiovascular disorders.