NYMC Faculty Publications

The Role of Palliative Care in Cardiovascular Disease

Author Type(s)

Faculty

DOI

10.1097/CRD.0000000000000634

Journal Title

Cardiology in Review

First Page

539

Last Page

548

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2025

Department

Medicine

Keywords

advanced coronary disease, advanced heart failure, cardiovascular disease, congenital heart disease, heart transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, outcomes, palliative care, pulmonary hypertension, valvular heart disease

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

The American Heart Association has recommended that palliative care be integrated into the care of all patients with advanced cardiac illnesses. Notwithstanding, the number of patients receiving specialist palliative intervention worldwide remains extremely small. This review examines the nature of palliative care and what is known about its delivery to patients with cardiac illness. Most of the published literature on the subject concern advanced heart failure; however, some data also exist regarding patients with heart transplantation, pulmonary hypertension, valvular disease, congenital heart disease, indwelling devices, mechanical circulatory support, and advanced coronary disease. In addition, outcome data, certification requirements, workforce challenges, barriers to implementation, and a potential caveat about palliative care will also be examined. Further work is required regarding appropriate means of implementation, quality control, and timing of intervention.

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