Palliative Care For Heart Conditions

Although we often link palliative care to cancer patients, it is also care that is available to heart patients with serious cardiac conditions like heart failure.

“Palliative medicine is supportive care for people who face serious illness,” said Alicia Topoll, MD, a board-certified cardiologist at Franciscan Health. “It’s not just for cancer patients. It’s for those with chronic illnesses like heart failure, advanced coronary artery disease, neurologic disorders and even COPD or kidney disease.”

What Is Cardiopalliative Care?

Cardiopalliative care, which is palliative care for those who live with heart failure or other serious cardiac conditions, offers caring and vital support, improves a person’s quality of life and addresses symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath and anxiety.

Palliative care for heart patients combines symptom management, open talks about treatment goals and advanced care planning. A team of professionals — including physical therapists, mental health experts, chaplains and social workers — provides personalized support.

“We focus on how the disease affects lives and what it means for patients and families,” Dr. Topoll explained. “For heart conditions, where symptoms can last for years, palliative care addresses their physical and mental health needs.”

What Are Common Symptoms Addressed In Cardiopalliative Care?

Common symptoms addressed with cardiopalliative care include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Pain
• Nausea and lightheadedness
• Anxiety and low mood

“We use a team-based approach to address symptoms that affect patients and their families,” Dr. Topoll said. Many people with life-threatening cardiac conditions live with their disease for many years. “We have to address how we help them live well and talk with them about expectations.”

“Aromatherapy, meditation and breathing exercises are ways to help manage some of these conditions. Patients often prefer these approaches to avoid adding more medications to their routines.”

Who Can Benefit From Cardiopalliative Care?

The care is for anyone with serious cardiac diagnoses or hard-to-manage symptoms. It’s helpful during decision-making moments, like considering surgery or advanced treatments.

“We help patients navigate advanced care planning, a talk many avoid due to discomfort,” Dr. Topoll said. However, having these conversations ensures the care aligns with patient goals.

Patients who are critically ill or hospitalized also benefit.

“It’s important to have conversations and make sure we provide care consistent with what the patient wants,” she said.

How Does Cardiopalliative Care Help Families?

Family members of heart failure patients play an essential role in their loved ones’ cardiopalliative care.

“I believe family members are some of the most important, if not the most important, part of a care team,” said Dr. Topoll.

They often recognize symptoms, ask questions during visits and support loved ones through challenges.

Families are advocates for their loved ones. “They might say, Hey, mom is starting to get run down, they’re sleeping a lot more, and they recognize things we can look at and help with,” Dr. Topoll said.

“The family members are walking the journey, and it’s similar but very different.” Caretaking is hard. “I think we don’t talk enough about caretakers and the burden and fatigue that can happen.”

That’s why palliative care is there for the family.

Advanced Care Planning

Advanced care planning ensures patient goals are clear and aligned with treatment wishes.

“When I meet patients, I ask if they’ve thought about a living will,” Dr. Topoll said, “or if they discussed similar situations with family members.”

Reflecting on any experiences can shape how patients think about future care.

“I often use a website called prepareforyourcare.org, which provides helpful resources and videos to guide these discussions. It’s important to share these plans with loved ones and update them regularly as health changes.

Myths And Misconceptions About Palliative Care

One common myth is that palliative care equals hospice. Dr. Topoll clarified the difference. “Palliative care doesn’t mean we stop treatment. It ensures care aligns with your goals and improves quality of life.”

Hospice focuses on end-of-life care. Palliative care supports anyone with a serious illness, even while undergoing aggressive treatments.

Learn More About Palliative Care For Heart Patients

Palliative care brings hope and support to those living with severe cardiac conditions. From symptom management to advanced care planning, the team at Franciscan Health is here to provide personalized, compassionate support.

Visit Franciscan Health to learn more about improving your quality of life through cardiopalliative care.