153 – Heart Failure in Aging: Symptoms, Types, and Treatments

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with cardiologist Cara Pellegrini, MD, to discuss the key aspects of heart failure, including its types (congestive, systolic, diastolic, HFrEF, and HFpEF), causes, symptoms, and treatment options. They also cover special considerations for frail older adults, heart failure and end-of-life issues, and much more.

They discuss:

• Introduction to Heart Failure in Aging
• Understanding Heart Failure: Definitions and Types
• What are HFrEF, HFpEF & Ejection Fraction?
• Left vs Right-sided Heart Failure
• Causes of Heart Failure
• Heart Valves in Heart Failure
• Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure
• Diagnosing Heart Failure: The Evaluation Process
• Stages and Severity of Heart Failure
• Heart Failure Prognosis
• Treatment and Management of Heart Failure
• Medications to Treat Heart Failure
• Self-Management Strategies for Heart Failure
• Considerations for Older Adults with Heart Failure
• Procedures and Devices for Advanced Heart Failure
• Understanding Prognosis and End-of-Life Care
• Questions to Ask About Heart Failure

Related episode:

146 – Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults: Watchman, Medications & Other Treatment Options

Related Resources:

• 6 Steps to Better High Blood Pressure Treatment for Older Adults
• American Heart Association: Heart Failure