DO MORE with Heart Failure

What is Heart Failure?

The heart is a muscle that works continuously to pump blood to all parts of body.  Normally, the heart generates more than enough blood flow to meet the needs of the body.  However in heart failure, the blood flow becomes sluggish and may no longer meet the body’s needs.  This is referred to as heart failure, also called congestive heart failure. This can occur when the heart muscle is weakened or if the heart muscle becomes too stiff and cannot “relax” to let blood back into the heart.

All organs in the body are affected.  In particular, the kidneys receive less blood flow than usual and become less able to remove sodium and water from the body.  This can lead to a buildup of fluid and can produce symptoms of weight gain, shortness of breath, bloating and swelling in your feet, ankles and legs. Patients may also experience fatigue, chest pain or palpitations and loss of appetite as a result of heart failure.

There are over 5 million Americans with heart failure and 550,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.  The number of individuals with heart failure increases with age.   Men and women are affected equally and heart failure is the most common cause for hospitalization in the elderly.

What Can Be Done for Me?

Midwest Heart Specialists has a Heart Failure Clinic specially designed to address the needs of a person with heart failure.  Even though the term, heart failure, may sound hopeless, there are a number of things that you can do to live a normal life. You will want to learn as much as you can about your condition and the treatments.  We strive to DO MORE for you and want to help you DO MORE for yourself.  You will want these six “how to” steps to become your prescription for a healthier life.

• Daily monitoring of weight and blood pressure
• Overcome common fears
• Medications
• Observe symptoms
• Restrict salt and fluid
• Exercise and enjoy life

How Does the Heart Failure Clinic Work?

Your doctor can refer you the Midwest Heart Specialists Heart Failure Clinic.  An Advanced Practice Nurse works closely with you and your doctor to discuss your progress and treatment.  The nurses in the Heart Failure Clinic have advanced training in the care of patients with heart failure.  Your nurse performs an interview and physical examination, reviews your medications, and educates you about heart failure.   

You will receive your own copy of the Midwest Heart Specialists DO MORE with Heart Failure booklet.   While you continue to have regular visits with your doctor, you also will have subsequent visits and frequent telephone contact with the nurse. 

The focus of the DO MORE with Heart Failure program of Midwest Heart Specialists Heart Failure Clinic is to involve you in developing a successful treatment plan that will increase your quality and enjoyment of life.

Make DO MORE with Heart Failure your motto for a healthier life!

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