Heart Failure

The incidence and prevalence of heart failure (HF) increase progressively with age, owing to the combined effects of age-related changes in cardiovascular structure and function and the rising prevalence of cardiovascular disorders, especially hypertension and coronary artery disease, with advancing age. Compared to younger patients, older patients with HF are more likely to be women, have preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFPEF), and have multiple co-existing non-cardiac conditions that influence disease presentation and response to therapy. Management of HF is generally similar in older and younger patients, but limited data are available on optimal treatment in patients over 80 years of age, and to date no interventions have been shown to improve survival in patients with HFPEF. The complexity of managing older HF patients is facilitated by a multidisciplinary approach to care, including appropriate attention to patient preferences and end-of-life planning.