CHF Solutions

Lifestyle changes to treat cardiac disease include:

• Losing weight, eating healthier, and exercising
• Stop smoking and/or alcohol usage

Lifestyle recommendations:

• Stop smoking and alcohol use
• Regular aerobic exercise – weight loss
• Eat healthier: fruits and vegetables, low sodium diet

Treatment for mild symptoms of heart failure include:

• Continued efforts for a healthier lifestyle
• Optimal Medical Therapy (OMT) determined by a physician

What is Optimal Medical Therapy?

• ACE Inhibitors – drugs that are designed to lower blood pressure
• BETA Blockers – are used to prevent chest pain (angina), alleviate high blood pressure (hypertension), restore normal heart rhythms, and prevent heart attack.
• Diuretics – are used to remove excess fluid from the body

An FDA cleared, ultrafiltration system that is a safe and effective way to remove excess salt and water from your body.

• The device is connected to a catheter to withdraw blood containing excess fluid
• The blood then passes through a special filter in the device
• The filter separates blood from excess salt and water
• The blood is returned to your body
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Surgical procedures to treat heart problems:

• HF patients who have heart rhythm abnormalities may be recommended for alternative therapies
• A doctor may advise a CRT or ICD with continued OMT

What are CRTs and ICDs?

• CRTs – Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy device sends small electrical impulses to both lower chamber of the heart to help them beat together. This improves the ability of the heart to pump blood and oxygen.
• ICDs – Implantable Cardiovascular Defibrillator is a device that uses electrical pulses or shocks to help control the irregular heartbeats that can cause sudden cardiac arrest.

Treatment of end-stage heart failure:

• Your doctor may recommend a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) at an advanced stage of heart failure where your heart is no longer able to pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs

What is an LVAD?

• LVAD is a mechanical pump that is implanted inside the chest to help a weakened heart pump blood throughout the body
• LVADs are considered a “Bridge to Heart Transplant” or “Destination Therapy” for those who are not eligible for a heart transplant, which then becomes a permanent solution.

Treatment for end-stage heart failure:

• Heart transplants are done as a life saving measure for end stage heart failure. If a patient is eligible, they are placed on a waiting list for a donor heart.

What is a Heart Transplant?

• The procedure replaces the patient’s heart with a donor heart. After the transplant the patient is started on a lifelong health care plan, including multiple medications and frequent medical check-ups.