Role of Primary Care in Management of Heart Failure Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF): A Literature Review

Abstract

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a non-communicable disease with the prevalence increasing globally. HFpEF has signs and symptoms of typical heart failure, with EF >50%, and structural heart disease or raised BNP. Primary care has an important role to prevent the progression of HFpEF. In this study, we review the importance of primary care in HFpEF management and the gaps with the newest ESC guideline in real practice. The challenges in the diagnosis of HFpEF result in treatment delayed or disease progression. Since there is a new drug has been added to the newest guideline, prior guideline adherence in primary care is suboptimal. Communication is the key to bridging the physician and expert. More epidemiological study of HFpEF in the specific region would be a starting point in an effort for adapting standardized guidelines and this requires a health system with appropriate resources and incentives.
 Keywords: HFpEF, primary care, disease prevention, guideline, communication.