FRAILTY IN CARDIOVASCULAR PATIENTS: AN EMERGING RISK FACTOR WITH CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE


Authors: D. Gospodinov, L. Hadzhilieva, N. Gerasimov
Keywords: frailty, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, elderly patients, risk stratification, sarcopenia

Abstract:
Frailty has emerged as a clinically relevant syndrome in cardiovascular medicine, characterized by reduced physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors. It is increasingly recognized as an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease.
This narrative review examines the pathophysiology, clinical implications, and prognostic value of frailty in cardiology. Special attention is given to its role in risk stratification, therapeutic decision-making, and outcomes following interventional procedures. Frailty is associated with increased mortality, higher rates of hospitalization, reduced tolerance to guideline-directed therapy, and poorer procedural outcomes. Despite its clinical importance, it remains underassessed in routine practice.
The integration of frailty assessment into cardiovascular care may improve individualized treatment strategies and clinical outcomes.Download article