Heart Failure: Management of Decompensation

• Disease process
• Fluid and weight management
• Early warning signs (traffic lights)
• Medication concordance
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Immunisation
• Social support

The choice of device will be decided by the cardiology team based on the following criteria:

Implantable Defibrillator (ICD) Primary Indications

• QRS <120mms
• Ejection fraction < 35% (equivalent to moderate/severe LVSD)

Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT +/- D)

• QRS >120mms
• Ejection fraction <35% (equivalent to moderate/severe LVSD)

The Nurse Led Heart Failure Service provides a comprehensive care package for heart failure patients, working in partnership between primary and secondary care.

Referrals can be made by any member of the multidisciplinary team as long as the following criteria are met:

• Patient must have documented evidence of heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) (either by echo, MUGA scan or angiogram).

Plus

• Be symptomatic despite medical therapy

Or

• Had a recent hospital admission due to heart failure

Ultimately- patient must be willing to be part of the service.

Benefits can include

• Education- to detect early warning signs and symptoms and to enable self management
• Medication optimization
• On-going support for patient and carer
• Palliative Care Support

For more details please contact your local Heart Failure Nurse or contact the main Heart Failure Office on 01463 704628 or email nhsh.heartfailureservice@nhs.scot

Patient name and CHI number needed for referrals.

Patient information can be accessed here