Multimorbidity in Older Adults with Heart Failure

Clin Geriatr Med. 2016 May;32(2):277-89. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2016.01.002. Epub 2016 Feb 18.

Abstract

Multimorbidity is common among older adults with heart failure and creates diagnostic and management challenges. Diagnosis of heart failure may be difficult, as many conditions commonly found in older persons produce dyspnea, exercise intolerance, fatigue, and weakness; no singular pathognomonic finding or diagnostic test differentiates them from one another. Treatment may also be complicated, as multimorbidity creates high potential for drug-disease and drug-drug interactions in settings of polypharmacy. The authors suggest that management of multimorbid older persons with heart failure be patient, rather than disease-focused, to best meet patients' unique health goals and minimize risk from excessive or poorly-coordinated treatments.

Keywords: Cognitive impairment; Geriatrics; Health outcomes; Heart failure; Multimorbidity; Multiple chronic conditions; Polypharmacy; Quality of care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Comorbidity
  • Evidence-Based Practice / methods
  • Evidence-Based Practice / organization & administration
  • Heart Failure* / epidemiology
  • Heart Failure* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Medical Overuse / prevention & control*
  • Patient-Centered Care* / methods
  • Patient-Centered Care* / organization & administration