ADVANCED HEART FAILURE PROGRAM
ADVANCED HEART FAILURE PROGRAM
Heart failure is a growing problem that affects about 5 million adults in the U . S . The UAB Advanced Heart Failure Program offers comprehensive , specialized treatment options for patients suffering from advanced heart disease . State-of-the-art therapies help improve patient survival and quality of life . Treatments available at UAB include cardiac transplantation , mechanical circulatory support ( ventricular assist devices or VADs ), and cutting-edge medical device therapies only available through participation in research protocols .
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The UAB Advanced Heart Failure Program team is comprised of nationally ranked , specialized physicians and nurses who work together to provide comprehensive patient care . Available treatments address risk factors for heart failure and include medical therapy , pacemakers or defibrillators , VADs , and heart transplantation . 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 treatments for advanced heart failure as well as 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 )
• Right heart catheterization and hemodynamic assessment
8 UAB Cardiovascular Institute Annual Report