Heart failure

Depending on the stage of your condition, the evaluations, heart screening and imaging you undergo may involve anything from blood work to X-rays. Other tests and imaging include:

• Cardiac catheterization
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the heart
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the heart
• Nuclear medicine scan of the heart, also called a nuclear stress test
• Ultrasound of the heart (echocardiography)

A cardiologist will review your medical history and speak with your other physicians to see if medication should be part of your CHF management. The correct medications can help you live more comfortably.

A VAD is a mechanical device which pumps blood through the body when the heart is too weak to pump blood adequately on its own. It helps the heart pump blood but doesn't replace the heart.

We specialize in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, and we were the first facility in Pinellas County to successfully implant one. The type of LVAD used at our hospital is a continuous flow, implantable pump.

An LVAD is surgically attached to the left ventricle and to the aorta, the main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the entire body. The device is an external system including a small controller and two batteries attached by an external tube, which passes through the skin. You can wear this system under or on top of your clothing.

If you have advanced heart failure and all other medical therapies have been unsuccessful, you may be a candidate to receive an LVAD. Compared to using only medication management, these devices can help you live longer and enjoy an improved quality of life.

Not everyone with advanced heart failure is a good candidate for this treatment. Our Mechanical Circulatory Support Program will determine if you are a candidate for this therapy after an evaluation process, which includes diagnostic tests.

Additionally, a team of nurses, physicians, social workers, palliative care specialists, nutritionists and financial advisors will meet about your care. They will review the results of your tests and determine if you meet the criteria for this therapy.

There are three main purposes LVADs serve:

• As a bridge to recovery, when you are experiencing the type of heart failure (such as viral infections or postpartum heart disease) that may reverse itself with temporary support
• As a bridge to transplant, when you need temporary support until a donor heart becomes available
• As destination therapy, when you need long-term therapy and heart transplantation is not an option

As the first hospital in Pinellas County to offer heart transplantation services, we are proud to lead in heart failure and cardiac transplant care. If you have advanced congestive heart failure (CHF) and have exhausted all other medications and therapies, a heart transplant may be the best solution. Our team of cardiologists, heart transplant surgeons and healthcare specialists will provide expert, compassionate care throughout the heart transplant process.

At our Advanced Heart Failure Center, our heart failure cardiologists are dedicated to excellence. Our facility has achieved the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission, the leading healthcare accrediting agency in the U.S. This recognition means our hospital is a pillar of safety and quality, able to meet the rigorous quality standards set by The Joint Commission.

We have also been recognized for meeting the national standards of the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines — Heart Failure quality improvement program, which results in lower readmission rates.

Additionally, we are the first hospital in Pinellas County credentialed by Det Norske Veritas Healthcare, Inc. and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for VAD implantation.

Heart failure is a weakening of the heart that can develop over a long period of time. It doesn't mean your heart has stopped or is about to stop.

What happens during heart failure

Heart failure begins when your heart can't pump enough nutrient-rich blood to meet your body's needs. When this happens, your muscles weaken and begin to waste away, causing fatigue. The lack of adequate blood flow will also cause your organs to progressively fail if left untreated, resulting in numerous medical complications.

When the heart cannot pump enough oxygen and nutrients to meet the body’s needs, it tries to adapt. The chambers of the heart stretch to hold more blood to pump throughout the body with each heartbeat.

The body releases hormones to increase the heart's pumping power, but these hormones can only provide temporary relief. Over time, the heart muscle walls will continue to weaken and/or stiffen if heart failure goes untreated.