The rising prevalence of heart failure (HF) and consequent clinical burden on global health care systems intensified the demand for decentralized, innovative, and cost-effective diagnostic tools. Regular assessment of HF-related biomarkers, such as natriuretic peptides, electrolytes, and renal indicators, along with continuous physiological monitoring, is vital to reduce hospitalization and mortality rates. Patient-centered sensing technologies have the potential to revolutionize HF management by enabling better and more personalized prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. This review highlights recent advances in optical sensing technologies for the non-invasive, point-of-care monitoring of HF beyond clinical settings. A critical analysis is provided of key optical technologies - plasmonics, colorimetry, fluorescence, optical fibers, and photoplethysmography, focusing on their analytical performance and integration into personal use platforms.

The purpose of this review is to present a synergistic, multiparametric framework for HF monitoring, demonstrating how diverse optical techniques can be integrated to enhance diagnostic value and support decentralized care. Furthermore, the combination of these methods and technologies with innovative and emerging systems such as microfluidics, dermal tattoos, patches, textiles, and smartphone-based interfaces is discussed in the context of enabling real-time, personalized HF management. Current limitations, technological readiness, and future directions for clinical translation are also addressed, offering insights into how optical analytics can reshape chronic disease monitoring beyond the hospital.