What strategies are recommended for individualizing care in patients with associated conditions and comorbidities?
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recognize the complexity of managing patients with multiple conditions compared to managing patients with a single disease. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are used to evaluate and treat patients with multiple coexisting illnesses, although CPGs do not replace the need for clinical judgment. In order to effectively manage these patients, clinicians should engage them in shared decision making and take their associated conditions and comorbidities into consideration when selecting interventions. When necessary, deviations from the CPGs may be appropriate.