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The Heart Failure Program at Loma Linda University International Heart Institute aims to provide patients and their families with the education and support they need to stay healthy and improve quality of life. Heart failure can be managed through one-on-one patient education focusing on medications, cardiac diet, lifestyle modifications and advanced cardiac planning. Our team of experienced cardiologists, nurse practitioners, dedicated case manager and licensed vocational nurse have worked together to offer exceptional, individualized care since 1997. We currently manage over 1,300 patients living with heart failure, and that number continues to grow.
Use of CardioMEMS pressure sensor technology for in-home monitoring
The Heart Failure Program team holds accreditation certificates from the American College of Cardiology for inpatient and outpatient care, one of three centers in Southern California to receive the designation for heart failure outpatient care.
Read moreHeart failure afflicts 5.7 million people in the United States. It is one of the most common causes of hospitalization among those aged 65 and older. Also called congestive heart failure (CHF), the condition results when fluid builds up in the body. The heart cannot pump blood as efficiently as it should. The heart is still working, but cannot meet the body’s need for blood and oxygen.
Heart failure symptoms usually develop over time. The heart becomes weaker and less able to ensure the flow of blood that the body needs. CHF will get worse if left untreated. Heart failure usually results in an enlarged heart. The good news is: Making lifestyle changes now can help prevent your developing CHF. Following your cardiologist's advice is important. Healthy changes will help you feel better and potentially avoid developing CHF.
Heart failure is a progressive condition that has four stages: A, B, C and D. They range from “high risk of developing heart failure” to “advanced heart failure.”
Stage A – Considered to be pre-heart failure, Stage A means you may be at risk if you have one or more contributing medical conditions such as:
Treatment includes modifying lifestyle to manage risk factors, as well as medication to control the predisposing medical conditions.
Stage B – Also considered pre-heart failure, people at Stage B have been diagnosed with dysfunction or structural changes in the left ventricular of the heart, but have never had symptoms of heart failure. Treatment includes the interventions in Stage A as well as medications and possibly surgery if there is a risk of coronary artery blockage, a heart attack, valve disease.
Stage C - At Stage C, patients have been diagnosed with heart failure and may be having:
These symptoms may improve or worsen from day to day. Treatment may include medications such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, vasodilators and diuretics. Additional monitoring of weight, sodium intake and fluid will also be necessary. Implantable devices such as a pacemaker and cardiac defibrillator may also help manage symptoms.
Stage D – Stage D patients have advanced symptoms and are in the final stage of heart failure. In addition to treatments from Stages A, B and C, patients may need more advanced options such as:
People with heart failure may experience the following:
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your cardiologist for an appointment.
Be sure to follow the medical advice given to you by your cardiologist. Some additional steps you can take to help manage your heart failure include:
Use of CardioMEMS pressure sensor technology for in-home monitoring
The Heart Failure Program team holds accreditation certificates from the American College of Cardiology for inpatient and outpatient care, one of three centers in Southern California to receive the designation for heart failure outpatient care.
Read moreHeart failure afflicts 5.7 million people in the United States. It is one of the most common causes of hospitalization among those aged 65 and older. Also called congestive heart failure (CHF), the condition results when fluid builds up in the body. The heart cannot pump blood as efficiently as it should. The heart is still working, but cannot meet the body’s need for blood and oxygen.
Heart failure symptoms usually develop over time. The heart becomes weaker and less able to ensure the flow of blood that the body needs. CHF will get worse if left untreated. Heart failure usually results in an enlarged heart. The good news is: Making lifestyle changes now can help prevent your developing CHF. Following your cardiologist's advice is important. Healthy changes will help you feel better and potentially avoid developing CHF.
Heart failure is a progressive condition that has four stages: A, B, C and D. They range from “high risk of developing heart failure” to “advanced heart failure.”
Stage A – Considered to be pre-heart failure, Stage A means you may be at risk if you have one or more contributing medical conditions such as:
Treatment includes modifying lifestyle to manage risk factors, as well as medication to control the predisposing medical conditions.
Stage B – Also considered pre-heart failure, people at Stage B have been diagnosed with dysfunction or structural changes in the left ventricular of the heart, but have never had symptoms of heart failure. Treatment includes the interventions in Stage A as well as medications and possibly surgery if there is a risk of coronary artery blockage, a heart attack, valve disease.
Stage C - At Stage C, patients have been diagnosed with heart failure and may be having:
These symptoms may improve or worsen from day to day. Treatment may include medications such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, vasodilators and diuretics. Additional monitoring of weight, sodium intake and fluid will also be necessary. Implantable devices such as a pacemaker and cardiac defibrillator may also help manage symptoms.
Stage D – Stage D patients have advanced symptoms and are in the final stage of heart failure. In addition to treatments from Stages A, B and C, patients may need more advanced options such as:
People with heart failure may experience the following:
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your cardiologist for an appointment.
Be sure to follow the medical advice given to you by your cardiologist. Some additional steps you can take to help manage your heart failure include:
With your help, we can make ambitious innovations in clinical care and education for our community.