The Journal of cardiovascular nursing
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Aortic stenosis is a common valvular pathological finding in older adults. Currently, aortic valve replacement is the gold-standard treatment for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. However, patients with advanced age and multiple comorbidities carry a significant operative risk. ⋯ This article provides an overview of TAVI outcomes including insertion options, procedural outcomes, morbidity, valve durability, short- to medium-term survival, and quality of life to guide nursing care interventions. Enhancing nurses' knowledge of the risks, benefits, and potential complications of TAVI will empower nurses in their role as patient advocates and educators and improve patient outcomes. Gaps in the current TAVI research literature are identified.
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Chronic heart failure (CHF) management programs (CHF-MPs) are applied in different ways including via face-to-face settings. However, we know little about consumer preferences when applying CHF-MPs via a patient's home or specialist hospital clinic. The aim of this pilot study was to explore CHF-MP characteristics that are considered desirable by patients with CHF. ⋯ These preliminary data suggest that patients value aspects of a program beyond those directly related to health outcomes. They also recognize a need for flexibility in program delivery, with potential preferences for home- or clinic-based programs depending largely on individual patient circumstances. More definitive studies are required to explore how best to cater for individual preferences while optimizing health outcomes.
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Lack of sleep has been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Prior research has often been conducted in select populations and has not consistently adjusted for confounders, especially psychosocial factors. ⋯ Sleeping less than 6 hours per night was associated with several traditional and psychosocial CVD risk factors, and snoring was associated with low HDL-C level, likely mediated through overweight/obesity. These data may have significance for health care providers to identify individuals who may be at increased CVD risk based on sleep habits.
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Upstreaming palliative care, practicing and advocating for palliative care earlier in the heart failure (HF) trajectory, is an idea whose time has come. In this article, we explore the meaning of palliative care for HF and then discuss its relationships with both chronic care and end-of-life care. A case study is used to envision the practical implementation of palliative care into existing systems of care. We conclude by discussing the clinician's role in implementing palliative care earlier for individuals with HF by practice and advocacy.
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The objective of the study was to explore the impact of telehealth interventions on individuals' self-care of heart failure (HF). ⋯ Although this review included several studies with flawed design issues, the available evidence supports the use of telehealth in enabling self-care of HF. Further exploration is needed to determine the effect of telehealth on HF self-care outcomes using studies with high-quality design and improved data collection procedures.