Frailty and Heart Failure: Clinical Insights, Patient Outcomes and Future Directions

Mirkowski, Karol; Vellone, Ercole; Żółkowska, Bernadetta; Jędrzejczyk, Maria; Czapla, Michał; Uchmanowicz, Izabella; Uchmanowicz, Bartosz

Abstract

Frailty is common among heart failure (HF) patients and linked to increased risk of adverse outcomes. Contributing factors include inflammation, sarcopenia and neurohormonal issues which diminish physiological reserves and accelerate the decline of health. Managing frailty in HF requires a multidisciplinary approach to address physical, nutritional and pharmacological needs. Structured exercise and dietary support can improve physical function, while careful medication management, especially with polypharmacy, reduces frailty-related risks. Telemedicine and wearable tech facilitate continuous monitoring and timely intervention, especially for those in remote areas. Future research should develop standardised frailty assessment tools specific to HF, enhancing risk stratification and personalised care. Studies on underlying mechanisms, such as inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, could lead to new therapies. Addressing socioeconomic factors can also improve care equity. This review summarises the mechanisms, clinical characteristics and impact of frailty on HF, highlighting challenges in treatment and opportunities for improving patient outcomes.

Citation

Mirkowski, K., Vellone, E., Żółkowska, B., Jędrzejczyk, M., Czapla, M., Uchmanowicz, I., & Uchmanowicz, B. (2025). Frailty and Heart Failure: Clinical Insights, Patient Outcomes and Future Directions. Cardiac Failure Review, 11, Article e05. https://doi.org/10.15420/cfr.2024.34

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 4, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Feb 26, 2025
• Publication Date: 2025
• Deposit Date: Mar 26, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 26, 2025
• Journal: Cardiac Failure Review
• Print ISSN: 2057-7540
• Electronic ISSN: 2057-7559
• Publisher: Radcliffe Medical Media
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Article Number: e05
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.15420/cfr.2024.34
• Keywords: Frailty, heart failure, sarcopenia, telemedicine, inflammation, frailty syndrome
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/4174125