ADVANCED HEART FAILURE
ADVANCED HEART FAILURE
Heart failure is a growing problem that affects about 5 million adults in the United States . The UAB Advanced Heart Failure Program offers specialized , state-of-the-art treatment options that help improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with advanced heart disease . Treatments available at UAB include heart transplantation , mechanical circulatory support ( ventricular assist devices or VADs ), and cutting-edge medical device therapies only available through participation in research trials .
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The UAB Advanced Heart Failure Program is comprised of nationally ranked physicians and specialized nurses who work together to provide comprehensive patient care and help address risk factors . UAB ’ s success in diagnosing and treating advanced heart failure makes it a premier choice for patients needing specialized , multidisciplinary care
Services offered include :
• Heart and heart-lung transplantation
• Mechanical circulatory support devices for patients who are symptomatic despite medical treatment or have recurrent hospital admissions
• Medical management of heart failure , including established treatments for advanced heart failure and new and investigational therapies
• Evaluation and management of diastolic heart failure , including pericardial disease
• Placement of a pulmonary artery sensor to monitor volume status
• Evaluation and management of pulmonary hypertension
• Management of cardiomyopathy and other rare cardiac conditions ( cardiac amyloidosis or Fabry ’ s disease , for example )
• Multidisciplinary cardiac amyloidosis program , comprised of physicians from Cardiology and Hematology who provide genetic testing , biopsies , blood work , and other patient care services
• Right heart catheterization and comprehensive hemodynamic assessment
• The Advanced Heart Failure Clinic also specializes in pulmonary hypertension .
HIGHLIGHTS
• Ranked as “ High-Performing ” by U . S . News & World Report for heart failure
• Received the American Heart Association ’ s “ Get With the Guidelines ” Heart Failure Gold Plus award
• UAB ’ s VAD program earned The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval .
PATIENT REFERRALS TO ADVANCED HEART FAILURE CLINIC
12 UAB Cardiovascular Institute Annual Report