Palliative care and hospice in patients with advanced cardiovascular disease

Advanced cardiovascular disease is common and frequently carries a high symptom burden. With its focus on symptom control, advance care planning, and family support, palliative care augments traditional approaches to the care of patients who are dying and their families. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death; however, hospice services remain relatively underused among this patient population. Difficulties with prognostication in cardiovascular disease have contributed to this, along with cultural and practice differences between cardiology and hospice and palliative care. Improving end-of-life care for patients with cardiovascular disease will require a proactive and collaborative approach between practitioners of both specialties.