Geriatric Cardiology, Cardiovascular Diseases and Palliative Care

Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) occurs when the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs. Cardiomyopathies, diseases of the heart muscle, are a leading cause of heart failure. Treatment approaches for heart failure include medications, lifestyle changes, device therapy, and, in some cases, heart transplantation. Advances in pharmacotherapy, such as SGLT2 inhibitors and ARNI medications, have improved outcomes for heart failure patients. 

Hypertension : Blood pressure, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. Effective management of hypertension is essential to prevent these complications. Strategies include lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, reduced salt intake, and regular exercise, along with pharmacological treatments like ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics. 

Techniques such as echocardiography, MRI, CT scans, and nuclear imaging allow for detailed visualization of the heart and blood vessels. These methods are essential for assessing conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, valve abnormalities, and congenital heart defects. Recent advancements in imaging technologies, including 3D imaging and artificial intelligence, are enhancing diagnostic accuracy, enabling earlier detection, and improving treatment planning.

Ischemic Heart Disease
(IHD), also known as coronary artery disease, occurs when the heart's blood supply is restricted due to the narrowing of coronary arteries. It is the leading cause of heart attacks and sudden cardiac death. Treatment includes lifestyle modifications, medications like statins and antiplatelets, and procedures such as angioplasty and coronary artery bypass surgery. Research is focused on improving early detection through biomarkers, developing new therapies to restore blood flow, and reducing the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events.