End-of-life Heart Failure Care in the United States

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is increasingly common in the United States and is associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality. As patients approach the end of life there is a significant increase in health care resource use. Patients with end-stage HF have a unique set of needs at the end of life, including symptoms such as dyspnea, uremia, and depression, as well as potentially deactivating implantable defibrillators and mechanical circulatory support devices. Improved palliative care services for patients with HF may improve quality of life and decrease health care resource use near the end of life.

Keywords: End of life; Heart failure; Palliative care; United States.