Advance directive screening among veterans with incident heart failure: Comparisons among people aging with and without HIV

Despite treatment advances, mortality remains high among patients with heart failure (HF), with a 5-year mortality risk of 50%, especially among those requiring hospitalization.1-3 Progression to advanced disease however, remains somewhat unpredictable, as patients often experience intermittent periods of clinical decompensation and worsening of symptoms, followed by periods of clinical stabilization.1,2 When the transition to end-of-life occurs, the symptom burden can be overwhelming, and may prevent patients from effectively communicating their preferences and values for end-of-life care.

Source: Heart and Lung - April 4, 2023 Category: Intensive Care Authors: Kristie M. Walenczyk, Casey E. Cavanagh, Melissa Skanderson, Shelli L. Feder, Ann A. Soliman, Amy Justice, Matthew M. Burg, Kathleen M. Akg ün Source Type: research