Frailty and prognosis in advanced heart failure

Purpose of review The frailty syndrome is characterized by an increased vulnerability to physiologic stress. Frailty is distinct from disability and disease states; however, there is a strong relationship between frailty and heart failure and the pathophysiology's overlap. Heart failure exacerbations and hospitalizations likely accelerate the cycle of frailty. The following review summarizes the relationship between heart failure and frailty, and the utility of a frailty assessment in heart failure management. Recent findings A frailty assessment can help to stratify heart failure patients at high risk for adverse outcomes. Increasing availability of device therapies for patients with heart failure make prerisk assessment an important management strategy. Summary Furthermore, studies are necessary to understand the relationship between heart failure and frailty and to devise the best care strategies for these patients.