The title may sound a little alarming at first. But it should not be misunderstood. Like any serious chronic illness, heart failure involves two types of treatment.
The first is well known: these are the so-called “active” treatments, focused on controlling the disease, stabilizing its progression, and improving the patient’s quality of life. The second, often less well understood, is palliative care, aimed at ensuring comfort and well-being.
Two complementary approaches
These two approaches do not necessarily follow one another. They complement each other and can coexist as the disease evolves.
Rethinking palliative care
The term “palliative care” often raises concerns among patients and their families, as it is commonly associated with the very end of life. However, in the context of heart failure, it is better to think of it as “supportive care.”
This type of care helps patients at every stage of their journey, by easing symptoms and supporting daily life.
When supportive care becomes essential
As heart failure progresses to what is called an advanced or terminal stage, supportive care becomes increasingly important. Even though the outlook may be more serious at this point, it is difficult to predict how long this phase will last—something many patients would like to know.
Proven benefits
Studies have shown that introducing palliative care early can improve quality of life, reduce hospitalizations, and may even help extend survival.
Five key aspects
This text presents five key aspects to help understand the role of supportive care for advanced heart failure:
- A look back at heart failure and active treatment
- Creating an individualized action plan
- Supportive care alongside active treatment
- Imminente end-of-life stage
- End-of-life care
To read: Medical assistance in dying
Related articles
Latest articles
