Hospice for Heart Disease & End-Stage CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)
End-stage heart disease brings distinct challenges for both patients and their families. As patients with congestive heart failure experience a variety of symptoms, hospice care for this condition is tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient.
St. Catherine's Healthcare collaborates with patients and caregivers to manage symptoms and ensure a high quality of life during the final stages of heart disease. For patients with end-stage heart failure, care may include pain relief, symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, help with daily activities, and management of other co-existing health conditions.
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Deciding when hospice care is suitable for end-stage congestive heart failure can be challenging for patients, families, and even doctors. The final stages of congestive heart failure are often unpredictable, with symptoms that can fluctuate.
Patients usually go through cycles of significant decline followed by temporary improvement. As a result, many individuals with heart disease who could benefit from hospice care miss out on the vital emotional and physical support they need.
Here are some signs it may be time to consider hospice care:
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The patient has advanced congestive heart failure or advanced coronary disease with frequent episodes of angina (chest pain resulting from insufficient supply of blood and oxygen to the heart).
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The patient has an abnormal heart (because of underlying disease) and suffers significant symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath or functional decline.
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Optimal treatment for the patient’s condition has already been provided and he or she is not a candidate for further surgical or medical intervention.
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The patient has tried optimal treatment(s) and made the personal choice not to pursue any further specialized treatment.
Hospice Eligibility for Congestive Heart Failure​
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Fatigue or heart palpitations when the patient is at rest
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Angina or dyspnea during exercise or when at rest
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The inability to carry out normal activities without experiencing dyspnea or other serious symptoms​​
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In the absence of one or more of these findings, rapid decline or comorbidities may also support
eligibility for hospice care.
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• Echo demonstrating an ejection fraction of 20% or less
• Treatment-resistant symptomatic dysrhythmias
• History of unexplained or cardiac related syncope
• CVA secondary to cardiac embolism
• History of cardiac arrest or resuscitation
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When To Consider Hospice Care
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Hospice care organizations deliver services wherever the patient resides, which may include the patient's home, a family member’s home, or an assisted living facility. In some cases, hospice services can also be available in a nursing home or medical facility during a short hospital stay.
One of the key goals of hospice care is to ensure the patient is comfortable during the end-of-life stage, and allowing the patient to remain in a familiar environment can support this.
Hospice care providers make regular visits to the patient’s home, with different members of the care team scheduling visits on various days throughout the week.
Where Hospice Services Are Provided
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