The Role of Palliative Care in Cardiovascular Disease

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.