Suffering of Heart Failure Similar...(ming an average of 1.6 years after hospi...),Health

"We're very good at treating the physical part of heart failure," Bekelman said. "But people suffer in other ways that also should warrant attention. It's important that we offer it to them."

The burden of heart failure is well known to physicians, but "nonprofessionals dont realize it," said Dr. Gerald L. DeVaughn, a clinical associate professor of medicine at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

"People given the option of heart failure or cancer might think that heart failure is the choice," he said. "But heart failure is quite lethal. Many cancers have a better prognosis."

Caretakers for people with heart failure should take its effects into account, DeVaughn said.

Symptoms such as dry mouth, constipation and shortness of breath can be improved with medical management, he said, while depression can be treated with medication and counseling.

"If they mention that spirituality is important in their lives, we should endeavor to have them see someone in that area, such as a chaplain," Bekelman said.

Approaches used to improve spiritual well-being in cancer, such as psychotherapy, should also be considered in heart failure, he said.

"People with cancer get all kinds of supportive services, but people with heart failure don't," Bekelman said.

More information

Symptoms and treatment of heart failure are described by the American Heart Association.

SOURCES: David Bekelman, M.D., assistant professor, medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine; Gerald L. DeVaughn, clinical associate professor, medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia; May 2, 2008, presentation, American Heart Association Scientific Forum on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research in Cardiovascular Dise
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