Early is Better Than Late, but Late is Better Than Never: Referral to Advanced Heart Failure Cardiology

Abstract

The advanced heart failure cardiology practice treats a wide spectrum of patients in different stages of heart failure, including those at risk of developing heart failure syndrome; those requiring advanced heart failure therapies such as transplantation or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement; and those at the end of life, receiving palliative focused therapies such as inotropes. The timing of referral to advanced heart failure practices has been thoroughly discussed in the cardiology community. However, objective data to guide this timing are limited.