Worsening versus advanced heart failure: Management and challenges

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive condition marked by recurrent episodes of symptom exacerbation, leading to worsening cardiac function, increased hospitalization and mortality risk. Worsening HF (WHF) and advanced HF (AdvHF) represent two distinct stages in this progression, each with unique clinical features and therapeutic needs. WHF is characterized by a deterioration of pre-existing symptoms requiring intensified treatment, such as diuretic escalation, which often reflects disease progression. Conversely, AdvHF involves severe cardiac dysfunction with persistent symptoms despite optimal medical management, requiring advanced interventions such as inotropic support or heart transplant. Although both stages share some pathophysiological and clinical features, they differ significantly in haemodynamic profiles, disease severity and response to treatment. This review argues that recognizing the transition from WHF to AdvHF is a pivotal issue in patient care. We explore the distinct natural histories, clinical presentations and diagnostic markers of WHF and AdvHF to provide a framework for earlier, more targeted interventions aimed at altering the disease trajectory and preventing the decline associated with the advanced stage. While WHF symptoms are typically reversible with appropriate interventions, AdvHF represents the end stage of HF with often irreversible dysfunction and multi-organ involvement. A clearer understanding and standardized definition of these phenotypes are essential for improving patient outcomes and guiding future clinical research.

Keywords: advanced heart failure; hospitalization; management; outcome; worsening heart failure.