Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a complex and progressive condition characterized by significant morbidity and mortality, often accompanied by a range of distressing symptoms that adversely affect patients’ quality of life. Traditional management approaches primarily focus on prolonging survival, often neglecting the psychosocial and symptomatic aspects of care. This article examines the impact of early integration of palliative care in the management of heart failure patients. Early palliative care, characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, emphasizes symptom management, psychological support, and shared decision-making aligned with patients' goals and values. This approach has been shown to enhance quality of life, reduce symptom burden, and improve patient satisfaction. Moreover, early palliative care can facilitate discussions around prognosis and advance care planning, helping patients and families navigate complex treatment decisions. Recent studies indicate that patients receiving early palliative care report lower rates of hospitalizations and emergency department visits, reflecting a more effective management of symptoms and care needs. By shifting the focus from purely curative treatment to a holistic understanding of patient well-being, early palliative care demonstrates significant potential to improve outcomes for heart failure patients. This article advocates for the routine integration of palliative care in heart failure management to foster a patient-centered approach that prioritizes quality of life alongside traditional medical care.