Heart Failure in Older Adults: Keys to Successful Management

Abstract

Recent American Heart Association statistics indicate that approximately 5 million people experience heart failure, and that an estimated 400,000 to 700,000 new cases are expected annually. Improved efforts in the emergency care of myocardial infarction and the increased life expectancy of the population in general are credited for the rapidly increasing number of elderly adults with such chronic cardiac diseases as heart failure. New drug therapies are tested daily to improve the treatment of heart failure. However, drugs alone cannot improve the lives of elderly men and women with this disorder. Skillful delivery of expert care is necessary if advanced practice nurses are to reduce the burden of heart failure and improve the lives of the individuals who must live with this devastating disease.

Testing the psychometric properties of the Medication Adherence Scale in patients with heart failure

“…The treatment goals for heart failure (HF) include symptom control, maintenance or improvement in quality of life, reduction of morbidity and mortality, and attenuation of the progressive nature of the condition 1. Lack of adherence to prescribed medications is a major cause of unnecessary hospitalizations, mortality, excessive medical costs,2–4 and poor quality of life5, 6 in patients with HF.…”

Effect of a Medication-Taking Behavior Feedback Theory–Based Intervention on Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure

“…1, 2 It is essential that patients with HF receive pharmacological treatment to slow cardiac remodeling, and decrease symptoms, hospitalizations and death. 3–5 Prescribed therapy is, however, useless unless patients adhere to their prescribed medications. 6 Medication nonadherence compromises treatment outcomes in HF.…”

Type D Personality Predicts Poor Medication Adherence in Patients with Heart Failure in the USA

“…HF is a chronic condition with high prevalence and incidence, and poor outcomes that requires patients to consistently take their prescribed medications to prevent emergency department visits, hospital admissions, or death [32-37]. Pharmacological treatment is vital for patients with HF to control symptoms and reduce hospitalizations and death [38, 39]. Therefore, medication adherence is essential to prevent morbidity and mortality in HF [40-42].…”