Dr. F. John Lewis performed the first successful open-heart surgery in 1952 by using controlled hypothermia to repair an atrial septal defect, a major milestone in the history of cardiac surgery.
End-of-life care for patients with heart failure aims to ensure comfort and dignity by tailoring treatments to the patient’s wishes and needs, whether at home, in a hospital, or in a specialized unit.
Knowing that a patient with heart failure is at risk of dying in the coming months helps prepare both the patient and their loved ones to express their life goals and plan the appropriate intensity of future care.
ARBs are used to lower blood pressure, promote heart recovery after a heart attack, and strengthen cardiac function. They are easy to identify in a list of medications, as their generic names all end with “sartan.”
Palliative or supportive care complements heart failure treatment from the early stages, helping to improve the patient’s comfort and quality of life throughout their journey. It is provided alongside standard therapies and can be adjusted as the disease progresses, taking into account the person’s needs and priorities.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) are medications used to lower blood pressure, protect the heart after a heart attack, and improve heart function. They are easy to identify on a list of medications because their names almost always end in “pril.”
An individualized action plan is an essential tool for people with advanced heart failure, helping them respond quickly to any worsening of symptoms and avoid hospitalization. Understanding it well and applying it without delay helps better control the disease and maintain quality of life.
Dr. Wilfred Bigelow was one of Canada’s most influential pioneers in cardiac surgery. His bold intuition regarding the use of hypothermia paved the way for procedures that had previously been considered impossible.
So-called “active” care includes all treatments aimed at improving daily quality of life while also extending life expectancy. This essential phase in the management of heart failure relies on two complementary components: medications and non-pharmacological measures.
Heart failure is a progressive chronic disease that requires tailored care at every stage. Understanding the role of palliative and supportive care helps improve quality of life and anticipate needs in advanced stages.
