Program Description
The risk of developing heart failure (HF) increases with age, and presence of certain risk factors, such as obesity or comorbid diabetes, can be underlying causes as well. Patients with HF often present with comorbidities that complicate management of the disease, can lead to increased rates of hospitalization and mortality, and negatively affect patient quality of life overall. Management of HF focuses on alleviating disease symptoms, but multiple options for guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with HF alongside presence of comorbid conditions can complicate selection of therapy. Therefore, as integral members of the patient care team, pharmacists need to be able to navigate initiation and confidently determine whether titrating, switching, or discontinuing GDMT for HF is necessary based on patient-specific factors. This program will review treatment algorithms with emerging agents for GDMT for patients with HF and examine considerations in the setting of polypharmacy. It will also cover pharmacist contributions and additional management strategies for patients with HF, such as adherence, transitions of care, and adverse effect management.
Target audience: Health-system and specialty pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: December 20, 2021
Expiration date: December 20, 2022
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Examine the diagnostic criteria of heart failure (HF), disease progression, and guideline-directed medical treatment for HF
- Explain the efficacy, safety, and management of adverse effects of current agents used for HF management
- Analyze safety and efficacy data for emerging treatment options in patients with HF
- Illustrate the role of the pharmacist in the management of symptoms and therapy in patients with HF
Yasmin Grace, PharmD
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Palm Beach Atlantic University
West Palm Beach, Florida
Tien M.H. Ng, PharmD, FHFSA, FACC, FCCP, BCPS AQ Cardiology
Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Medicine
Director, Clinical-Translational Sciences Fellowship in CV Pharmacotherapy
Vice Chair, Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy
School of Pharmacy
Keck School of Medicine
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-21-449-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through December 20, 2022.
Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.
Disclosures
The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Faculty
Yasmin Grace, PharmD, and Tien M.H. Ng, PharmD, FHFSA, FACC, FCCP, BCPS AQ Cardiology
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff: Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Michelle C. Carlson, PharmD; Crissy Wilson; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta.
An anonymous peer reviewer has been used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
The content of this activity may include information regarding the use of products that may be inconsistent with, or outside the approved labeling for, these products in the United States. Pharmacists should note that the use of these products outside current approved labeling is considered experimental and are advised to consult the prescribing information for these products.
Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.
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