Advanced Heart Failure

Advanced heart failure (AHF) is the stage of heart failure (HF) refractory to maximal medical treatment, cardiac devices (CRT - cardiac resynchronization, ICD - implantable defibrillator) and surgical treatment. AHF has become of interest through the experience and favorable results of treatment by mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and cardiac transplant (CT). The article reviews the criteria for defining the AHF (2018 ESC statement), natural history and prognosis outside the advanced treatment forms. Evaluation of risk and prognostic factors is required before the decision of advanced therapy: clinical factors (HF severity and reduction of cardiorespiratory functional capacity), RV function, biological markers and elements of organ dysfunction, as well as reduction of tolerance to conventional medication.

Finally, the principles of treatment and the results of mechanical circulatory support and cardiac transplant are presented.