Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology
Saint Alphonsus offers the highest level of integrated, multidisciplinary care for patients. Additionally, our team has expertise in the evaluation and treatment of patients who need heart transplant or ventricular assist device therapy.
What is Heart Failure?
It is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. There are two main types:
- Reduced Ejection Fraction
- The heart can’t pump or squeeze enough blood out to the body, and it causes weak heart chambers to become big over time.
- Preserved Ejection Fraction
- The heart can’t fill with enough blood causing the chambers of the heart to stiffen and fill with less blood than usual.
According to the American Heart Association, it is estimated that approximately 5% of the 6.2 million Americans with heart failure may develop advanced disease.
Advanced heart failure is a serious condition that can be difficult to manage. Patients with it often have symptoms that are severe and debilitating, and they may have a shortened life expectancy.
Common Causes
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart rhythm disorders
- Heart inflammation
- Valve problems
- Congenital heart problems
- Obesity
- Some cancer treatments
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath is the most common symptom of advanced heart failure. It can occur with exertion or even at rest.
- Chest pain: This can be a sign of a worsening heart condition.
- Fatigue: Advanced heart failure can cause fatigue that is not relieved by rest
- Feeling light-headed
- Swelling in the legs and rapid changes in weight: This is caused by fluid buildup in the body
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Trouble breathing when lying down
Patient Story
Treatments
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the progression of advanced heart failure and improve your quality of life. It is a serious condition that requires constant care and attention. That is why Saint Alphonsus has a team approach to provide the best care to you. Meet our team.
For most people, some combination of the right medications and devices to help the heart beat properly can help the heart become stronger.
Making lifestyle changes can also help to manage symptoms. These changes include: exercising regularly, reducing salt intake, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and losing weight.
In some cases, surgery may be an option. This may include Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), Heart valve surgery, or Left ventricular assist device (LVAD). We collaborate closely with cardiothoracic surgery and structural cardiology. Heart transplant is a last resort treatment for advanced heart failure. This surgery involves replacing the patient's diseased heart with a healthy heart from a deceased donor.
The best treatment option for you will depend on your circumstances. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.