Heart failure in the South Asian patient population

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is increasing throughout the developed world as a consequence of better survival rates following acute myocardial infarction (MI). South Asian (SA) patients with HF risk poorer outcomes through differing pathophysiological genesis, and a number of cultural and healthcare organisational factors. Nurses have a key role to play in attempting to reduce this potential disease burden among SA HF patients. This article discusses specific nursing care of the SA patient from the perspectives of diagnosis, aftercare, cultural and organisational barriers and tenders suggestions for improving service uptake among members of this marginalised group.