Non-pharmacological therapies play an essential role in the management of heart failure, complementing pharmacological treatments to mitigate disease progression and improve patient outcomes. This review provides an updated perspective on non-pharmacological interventions with a focus on lifestyle modifications, device therapies, and the management of heart failure in special populations, such as the elderly, women, and patients with comorbid conditions like renal dysfunction and diabetes. Key lifestyle interventions, including sodium and fluid restriction, dietary changes, and physical activity, are explored for their impact on symptom reduction, hospital readmissions, and quality of life. Device therapies like cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are also evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing mortality in patients with advanced HF. Special attention is given to vulnerable populations, emphasizing the need for individualized approaches tailored to specific pathophysiological mechanisms and socioeconomic factors. By integrating these strategies, healthcare providers can optimize care and enhance patient adherence, reducing the overall burden of heart failure.
Heart failure is a heterogeneous disorder that can lead to cardiogenic shock. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices can replace the cardiac function in an attempt to bridge patients to transplant or they can serve as destination therapy to improve overall patient functionality and in turn quality of life. Currently utilized MCS devices include devices such as Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs), Biventricular Assist Devices (BiVADs), Impella, Total Artificial Hearts (TAHs), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This literature review examines a range of studies, case reports, and meta-analyses to present current approaches to mechanical circulatory support (MCS), along with the challenges and limitations of existing devices, common complications, and overall survival and long-term outcomes following MCS therapy.