Opinion
Video
Staging Heart Failure and the Importance of Early Diagnosis
Key opinion leaders hold a discussion highlighting significant factors in heart failure staging.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Robert Groves, MD; Eugene E. Wright Jr, MD; Nancy Albert, PhD, CCNS, CCRN, CHFN, NE-BC, FAHA, FCCM, FHFSA, FAAN; Nihar Desai, MD, MPH; and Kelly Marie Axsom, MD. The panel discusses prevention and early identification of heart failure. Lifestyle changes like diet and medications can help curb progression of risk factors. Routine exams allow early clinical staging based on symptoms and cardiac dysfunction. Wright notes stage B is preclinical heart failure with signs of dysfunction but no symptoms. The goal is preventing progression through the stages. Patients may temporarily lack symptoms but require ongoing intense treatment. Albert explains heart failure staging is like cancer staging; you move forward but not backward. Educating patients using analogies helps them understand that the chronic nature of heart failure requires lifelong treatment. Early screening, like with annual biomarkers in primary care, allows earlier diagnosis and treatment. Artificial intelligence tools may help identify higher risk patients needing intervention. Overall there is a need for greater urgency in prevention and early identification of heart failure before symptoms arise.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMC editorial staff.
