Overview

In 2018, the Heart Failure Association updated its definition of advanced heart failure and practicing clinicians may not be aware of the current criteria regarding whom to refer or when to refer for advanced therapies in heart failure. As of March 2020, it is estimated that there are 3.1 million adults in the United States living with some form of heart failure. With advances in new pharmacological agents, improved surgical techniques, and device-based interventions, the number of patients living with some degree of heart failure continues to climb. It is important for practicing clinicians to recognize which patients are not responding to guideline directed medical therapy and would benefit from referral to an advanced heart failure and transplant center.

Referral to an advanced heart failure and transplant center ensures ongoing risk assessment, patient education, an opportunity to participate in investigational trials, and an open discussion about prognosis. Treatment options and long-term survival are best if the patient is referred prior to the onset of end-organ disease. This activity aims to address how timely referrals of heart failure patients for evaluation for transplantation or LVAD placement will result in successful patient management and outcomes.