There are now more patients who have Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) than those with reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF). Making the diagnosis of HFpEF is more challenging than HFrEF as many commonly used screening tools such as physical examination, echocardiography and measurement of natriuretic peptide levels are less sensitive and specific in this population. Most importantly, no therapies have yet been shown to improve major cardiovascular outcome (i.e. reductions in hospitalization rates or lower mortality). Several ongoing studies are evaluating novel treatments for this disorder.

TARGETED AUDIENCE

This course is intended for cardiovascular specialists, heart failure specialists, practicing cardiologists, cardiovascular advanced practice providers (NP or PA), internists, family physicians, pharmacist, cardiovascular nurses, critical care nurses, and industry representatives.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Discuss the pathophysiology of pulmonary vascular disease in HFpEF
• Describe the prognostic implications of pulmonary vascular disease in HFpEF
• Discuss potential treatments for pulmonary vascular disease in HFpEF
• Distinguish features of HFpEF that suggest underlying cardiac amyloidosis
• Discuss current and emerging therapies addressing the pathophysiology of amyloid.
• Define hemodynamic causes symptoms/signs in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF)
• Discuss time course of changes in hemodynamics leading to ADHF
• Describe how to use remote monitoring to detect and predict ADHF
• Demonstrate how to use effective remote monitoring in CHF management to change outcomes, prevent ADHF
• Appreciate the pathophysiological abnormalities in HFpEF that would likely improve with classical inotropic agents
• Identify patients with HFpEF who are potential candidates for therapy with inotropic agents
• Prescribe inotropic agents to overcome diuretic resistance or refractory volume overload in patients with advanced HFpEF
• Discuss the increasing recognition of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in the peri-partum period
• Recognize risk factors for pregnancy associated HFpEF
• Identify the long-term cardiovascular risks for women with pregnancy associated HFpEF
• Summarize the data available to date on SGLT2 inhibitors in populations with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction
• Identify patients who might be most likely to benefit from SGLT2 inhibitors
• Appreciate the contribution of the lymphatic system to the pathology of heart failure
• Apply the dynamics of lymph production and drainage to the clinical care of heart failure patients 
• Review the pathophysiology and epidemiology of pulmonary vascular disease associated with lung diseases
• Discuss the contribution of pulmonary vascular disease to the morbidity associated with HFpEF
• Review the evaluation of pulmonary disease in the HFpEF patient
• Describe the management of pulmonary diseases in the HFpEF patient
• Recognize clinical significance of NAFLD; Identify shared risk factors between NAFLD and HFpEF
• Identify individuals who may need evaluation for NAFLD and / or HFpEF
• Identify the differential impact of cardiovascular risk factors on risk for HFPEF among various demographic subgroups
• Identify the impact of social determinants of health on traditional cardiovascular risk factors
• Develop a patient-centered approach to cardiovascular risk factor reduction that takes social determinants of health into account  
• Identify arterial stiffness as an important contributor to HFpEF pathophysiology
• Discuss current therapeutic approaches to arterial stiffness in HFpEF
• Describe sex differences in arterial stiffness as it relates to HFpEF
• Discuss the rationale for use of exercise training and dietary weight loss in the treatment of HFpEF
• Become proficient in data supporting diet and exercise in HFpEF for improving key patient-oriented outcomes
• Enhance insight into mechanisms of improvements in outcomes with diet and exercise in HFPEF
• Define the clinical difficulty presented by diuretic resistance in HFpEF
• Delineate proposed pathophysiologic pathways causal in diuretic resistance
• Review the literature and evidence for proposed therapies to combat diuretic resistance in HFpEF
• Recall the epidemiology of body composition abnormalities among patients with HFpEF
• Describe the relationships between sarcopenia, functional capacity and survival for patients with HFpEF
• Articulate the benefits of exercise training and cardiac rehabilitation for patients with HFpEF

ACCREDITATION

The Medical University of South Carolina designates this live activity for a maximum of 12.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

For more information please visit the official event page.