Patient Selection, Referral Timing, and Advanced Heart Disease Therapy Options for Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

Authors

• Karthik Sreedhara, Division of Cardiology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA; George Washington University Heart and Vascular Institute.
• Gurusher Panjrath, Division of Cardiology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA; George Washington University Heart and Vascular Institute. Electronic address: [email protected].

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

4-1-2026

Journal

Heart failure clinics

Volume

22

Issue

2

DOI

10.1016/j.hfc.2025.11.001

Keywords

Advanced heart failure; Advanced therapies selection; Heart transplantation; Left ventricular assist device; Mechanical circulatory support

Abstract

Advanced heart failure is characterized by persistent severe symptoms and functional limitations despite optimal medical therapy and carries significant morbidity and mortality. This article discusses the key parameters of this clinical syndrome that should prompt referral by primary care providers and general cardiologists to advanced heart failure and transplantation centers, which is paramount to improving the quality of life and survival of these patients. It also aims to elucidate the evaluation process for determining candidacy for advanced therapies, including key indications and contraindications to left ventricular assist device implantation and heart transplantation.

APA Citation

Sreedhara, Karthik and Panjrath, Gurusher, "Patient Selection, Referral Timing, and Advanced Heart Disease Therapy Options for Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction" (2026). GW Authored Works. Paper 9154.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/9154

Department

Medicine