HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION: NEW INSIGHTS INTO AN EVOLVING GERIATRIC SYNDROME

Moderator: Michael W. Rich, MD, AGSF 
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is predominantly a disease of older adults and normative aging is considered a contributing factor to its development. It is also the most common form of heart failure in older adults, accounting for up to two-thirds of symptomatic heart failure in this age group. The management of HFpEF can be challenging in older adults due to co-existing complex multimorbidity, polypharmacy and the socioeconomic burdens of aging. As a result, HFpEF is increasingly recognized as a geriatric syndrome and its management requires a multi-dimensional approach to care. Therefore, it is essential that clinicians caring for older adults have a clear understanding of the diagnosis and management of HFpEF in order to optimize the care of their patients in the clinic or the hospital setting. Learning Objectives: (1) review the epidemiology, diagnosis and pathophysiology of HFpEF; (2) recognize that HFpEF as a geriatric syndrome requiring multi-dimensional care; (3) discuss the state of the science for pharmacologic intervention for HFpEF, and available resources for non-pharmacologic interventions focusing on physical rehabilitation for HFpEF as a tool for optimizing quality of life; and (4) acknowledge disparities and inequities in access to care for HFpEF and utilize strategies to resolve these issues.