Distinguishing Between Heart Failure Classifications

EP: 1.Identifying Key Risk Factors for Heart Failure

EP: 2.Socioeconomic Factors Impacting Development of Cardiac Disease

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EP: 3.Distinguishing Between Heart Failure Classifications

EP: 4.Staging Heart Failure and the Importance of Early Diagnosis

EP: 5.The Role of the Primary Care Physician in Heart Failure Management

EP: 6.Four Pillars of Heart Failure Therapy

EP: 7.Selecting Optimal First-line Therapy for Patients Diagnosed with Heart Failure

EP: 8.Key Takeaways From Heart Failure Clinical Trials

EP: 9.Navigating the Patient Journey Through Heart Failure Diagnosis

EP: 10.Strategies for Treating Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)

EP: 11.Treatment Optimization Challenges Associated With Heart Failure

EP: 12.Financial Barriers Impeding Optimal Heart Failure Treatment

EP: 13.Trajectory of Heart Failure Treatment Strategies

EP: 14.Key Takeaways from Experts in Heart Failure Management

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Robert Groves, MD; Eugene E. Wright Jr, MD; Nancy Albert, PhD, CCNS, CCRN, CHFN, NE-BC, FAHA, FCCM, FHFSA, FAAN; Nihar Desai, MD, MPH; and Kelly Marie Axsom, MD. Axsom provides an overview of the current heart failure classification system, which categorizes patients based on ejection fraction (EF) and symptoms. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has EF over 50% with elevated natriuretic peptides or signs of elevated filling pressures. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has EF under 40%. There is also a midrange between 40% and 49% EF. Patients can move between categories over time. Even asymptomatic patients with only mildly reduced EF could be considered early-stage heart failure, where treatments could prevent progression. Albert emphasizes that once a patient has heart failure symptoms, they have the diagnosis even if symptoms later resolve. Heart failure is a chronic condition requiring lifelong treatment, as stopping treatment often leads to recurrence of worse symptoms within 2 years. Patients may feel their symptoms are stable, but it is important that they understand they have persistent heart failure that requires ongoing care. The updated classification system allows clearer categorization and more tailored management based on EF and symptom status.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMC editorial staff.