Heart Failure Disease Management Program
Introduction
Heart failure is currently the fastest growing problem due to the ageing population as well as the increase in incidence of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. It is also a chronic problem which is associated with frequent hospitalizations and many debilitating symptoms. The management of heart failure patients will require a multi-disciplinary approach involving a cardiologist, a nurse practitioner, a dietician and a physiotherapist. Research has shown that on the whole, heart failure disease management programs improve the quality of life, the quality of care and reduce resource utilization.
The components of our heart failure disease management program include:
- A thorough evaluation with a heart failure cardiologist
- Counselling on self care methods and diet by the nurse practitioner
- A self care diary will be provided
- Frequent telephone follow-up of the patient by the nurse
- Weekly drug titration by the cardiologist at a package price
- Enrolment into a cardiac rehabilitation program.
Advanced heart failure patients will be assessed for suitability for biventricular pacing, cardiac contractility modulation, mechanical assist device, heart transplantation or stem cell therapy. Invasive hemodynamic measurements may be used to help guide therapy.