Heart Failure: Diagnostic Testing and Advanced Therapies-2019 Patient Education Webinar

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video discusses advanced therapies for heart failure patients. The speaker, Cindy Bither, a nurse practitioner with 25 years of experience working with advanced heart failure patients, explains the purpose of testing for heart failure diagnosis, prognosis, and available therapies. One commonly used test is an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to assess heart function and size. Another test is a cardiac MRI, which provides more detailed images of the heart. The video also discusses other tests, such as cardiac catheterization and blood tests, which can help determine the best course of treatment. <br /><br />Advanced therapies for heart failure include heart transplantation and ventricular assist devices (VADs). Heart transplantation involves replacing a patient's heart with a healthy donor heart. VADs are mechanical devices that assist the heart in pumping blood throughout the body. The video emphasizes the importance of the patient's goals and preferences when considering advanced therapies. The speaker also mentions the role of palliative care in helping patients make decisions about their care.<br /><br />The speaker provides information about the evaluation process for advanced therapies, including assessing the patient's overall health and support system. When considering transplantation, factors such as organ function, medications, and insurance coverage are taken into account. The speaker explains that timing is crucial in determining whether a patient is a good candidate for advanced therapies. The video concludes with a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of different advanced therapies and the need for ongoing care and monitoring after treatment.

Keywords

advanced therapies

heart failure

diagnosis

echocardiogram

cardiac MRI

heart transplantation

ventricular assist devices

palliative care

evaluation process