A multimorbid patient with heart failure and long-term treatment with enhanced external counterpulsation: a case report

Abstract

Management of multimorbid patients is challenging, despite advances in pharmacotherapy and widespread use of surgical treatment. The combination of diseases such as coronary artery disease leading to heart failure, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease requires an individualized approach to the patient. Adjuvant non-invasive therapies could facilitate the management of such patients. In addition, the use of longer-term non-pharmacological treatment is associated with prolonged follow-up by medical personnel, which can improve patient adherence to therapy and, thus, their quality of life.This article presents a case of long-term follow-up and complex management of a patient with multimorbid pathology, including heart failure of ischemic etiology, with the addition of enhanced external counterpulsation in intermittent mode to therapy.

Keywords

• enhanced external counterpulsation
• heart failure
• coronary artery disease
• type 2 diabetes
• chronic kidney disease
• case report