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Review
. 2023;26(1):1-9.
doi: 10.1298/ptr.R0024. Epub 2023 Mar 28.

Physical Therapy for Adults with Heart Failure

Yi-Chen Wu  1 , Chiao-Nan Chen  1
Affiliations
Review

Physical Therapy for Adults with Heart Failure

Yi-Chen Wu et al. Phys Ther Res. 2023.

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by structural and/or functional abnormalities that results in significant disease burdens not only to the patients and their families but also to the society. Common symptoms/signs of HF include dyspnea, fatigue, and exercise intolerance, which significantly reduce the quality of life of individuals. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2019, it has been found that individuals with cardiovascular disease are more vulnerable to COVID-19-related cardiac sequelae including HF. In this article, we review the updated diagnosis, classifications, and interventional guidelines of HF. We also discuss the link between COVID-19 and HF. The latest evidence about physical therapy for patients with HF in both the stable chronic phase and acute cardiac decompensation phase is reviewed. Physical therapy for HF patients with circulatory support devices is also described.

Keywords: ADHF; CHF; COVID-19; HF; Rehabilitation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.. The definition and suggested interventions for patients with HF at different stages
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.. NYHA functional classification
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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