Complexities of Care for Patients and Families Living With Advanced Cardiovascular Diseases Overview

The complexities of care in patients with advanced heart failure, ischemic coronary artery disease, and dysrhythmias span a wide spectrum of physiologic, psychologic, emotional, functional, social, and financial factors. In addition, families may be troubled by care needs associated with the cardiovascular disease itself or its complexities. The purpose of this overview was to gain a better understanding of the complexities associated with advanced heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and dysrhythmias and to highlight a few themes that have received recent attention from healthcare providers. The focus of the overview will include overcoming clinical and financial burdens and improving patient and family quality of life.