Heart failure care

Heart failure (also called "congestive heart failure") is one of the fastest growing health problems in the United States. Simply stated, heart failure means the heart is not pumping blood as efficiently as it should to the rest of the body.

One measurement of how well the heart pumps blood is called the “ejection fraction,” (or EF). The EF is the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the heart compared to the amount of blood that remains in the ventricle each time it beats. A “normal” EF is between 55 to 65 percent. There are two predominant types of heart failure:

At AHMHI, you have an entire team of highly specialized heart failure experts committed to your well-being. It is a team that is recognized nationally for its expertise and high-quality care, which includes a broad range of treatments, cutting-edge therapies and state-of-the art technologies to treat and manage heart failure at every stage.

Your heart failure care team takes a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to your care. This means every member of your team is seamlessly connected, working closely together every step of the way to address your specific needs. This connection includes you and your loved ones, ensuring you have the support you need and to help you live with heart failure more comfortably and easily.

We offer a broad range of therapies, treatments and services that meet the needs of patients at all stages of heart failure.

Medication

Medications are the foundation in the treatment of heart failure. Research shows that heart failure medications can help to stabilize your heart function and reduce symptoms, which can prevent future hospitalizations related to heart failure.

Most patients with heart failure require several different classes (or types) of medications for the best results. Your team at AHMHI will work closely with you to ensure you are on appropriate medications and at appropriate doses.

Specialized heart failure treatments

Our heart failure providers have extensive expertise in the diagnosis and management of many specific conditions associated with heart failure. These conditions include:

• arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathies
• cardiac amyloidosis
• cardiac sarcoidosis
• cardio-oncology
• congenital heart disease-related cardiomyopathies
• genetic or familial cardiomyopathy
• hypertrophic cardiomyopathies
• pulmonary hypertension
• dyspnea or HFpEF clinic

Our heart failure specialists work together seamlessly. This connected approach to your care gives you peace of mind that you are truly part of one team. It’s a team that knows you, understands your medical needs and is there to address all your concerns as you receive the highest quality care.

Heart failure technology

State-of-the-art technologies are also available at AHMHI to monitor and treat symptoms of heart failure. These technologies include:

• CardioMEMS™: remote pulmonary artery pressure monitoring to guide diuretic treatment
• Barostim™: implanted baroreceptor stimulator designed to reduce symptoms of heart failure through rebalancing the autonomic nervous system
• Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM®): implanted pacemaker leads that stimulate the heart to help its ability to contract and pump out blood
• Cardiac resynchronization: therapy to restore normal heartbeat rhythm (working closely with our heart rhythm management team)
• Minimally invasive valve treatments: percutaneous (through the skin) treatments, such as MitraClip™ transcatheter mitral valve repair and TriClip™ transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER), working closely with our structural interventional team

Advanced heart failure treatment

Our care team also provides care and treatment for those with advanced stage heart failure. Advanced heart failure services at AHMHI include:

• Left Ventricular Assist devices (LVADs): Once considered solely a bridging solution for those waiting for a heart transplant, LVADs now function as a more permanent solution for some patients. Learn more about LVADs and VAD therapy.

• Heart transplant. Established in 1985, our heart transplant program at Abbott Northwestern Hospital is recognized for its world-class treatment, care and expertise. Learn more about our heart transplant program.

Individuals may self-refer or have their primary or specialty care provider refer them to our program. It is recommended that you review your insurance coverage, as a referral from your provider may be required for coverage. Your primary or specialty care provider can:  

• evaluate your symptoms
• provide a physical examination
• order initial lab work and testing
• provide insight into the type of specialized care you may need for your condition
• refer you for specialized heart failure care

Medical evaluation is the first step to better understand your medical condition and needs. Your heart failure team will review your medical history and perform tests that will include bloodwork and imaging services that may include echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT).  AHMHI also has the ability to receive any recent testing or imaging work performed outside of our facility to minimize repetitive services.

Based on the results of your evaluation, your care team will work with you to develop a care plan that meets your needs and provides the necessary support for recovery.