Cardiovascular Institute Offers Heart Failure Clinic

Heart Failure is a chronic and progressive disease, but for patients who are willing to work closely with healthcare providers and manage their diet and exercise there can be improvement in heart function and quality of life. The Cardiovascular Institute developed a Heart Failure Clinic in the Fall of 2014 with the primary goal of helping our heart failure patients stay healthy and out of the hospital. Nurse Practitioner Karen Williams, who helped develop the program, says that she has seen marked improvement in our patients who participate fully, including increased activity levels and a reduction in hospitalizations.

The three main components of the Heart Failure clinic include Monitoring, Management and Education.

Heart Failure is caused by other conditions that have damaged the heart muscle, making it weak and unable to supply the body with sufficient blood and oxygen. In addition to monitoring the symptoms of heart failure for any changes, contributing conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and sleep apnea are treated in conjunction with each patient’s healthcare team.

Education plays a vital role in our Heart Failure Clinic. Patients are taught how to read food labels and plan meals that keep sodium intake in check and provide enough fluid but not too much. Excess sodium can cause fluid to back up in the lungs and swelling of the feet and ankles. Patients will learn more about their medications, how they work, potential side effects and the importance of following a proper dosage schedule. We also work with our patients to find fitness activities that are best for their condition and offer a cardiac rehab program.

“Our patients who participate in the Clinic definitely feel more empowered to manage their condition,” says Williams. “While there isn’t a cure for heart failure, our patients can regain a sense of well-being knowing that they have the knowledge and the tools to keep their symptoms in control.”

For patients with advanced stage disease, our clinic provides information for patients and their family members to make end of life care decisions and assists in connecting them with any other necessary services for their continued comfort.

Heart Failure clinic appointments are available five days a week. The frequency of visits to the clinic is dependent on each patient’s condition, however, most patients visit weekly or monthly for ongoing monitoring and treatment of their condition. Clinic visits are covered by all insurances. Talk with your primary care provider or cardiologist about your condition and if participating in our Heart Failure Clinic could be beneficial for you.