Heart failure is a condition in which the heart's ability to pump blood is weaker than normal, resulting in inadequate circulation of blood around the body. Eventually, heart failure leads to the failure of other vital organs due to this inadequate blood flow. Heart failure affects 5 million Americans, and there are more than 550,000 new cases each year.

Slightly more women develop heart failure than men do, but many more women than men die of the condition, according to a 2004 statistical update by the American Heart Association. Women have a better survival rate than men when heart failure is caused by valvular heart disease, high blood pressure, or alcohol abuse. The survival rates of women and men are more similar, however, when heart failure evolves from coronary artery disease or heart attack. In fact, women are much more likely to develop heart failure after a heart attack than men.

The Center for Heart Failure at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is led by William G. Cotts, MD and Edwin C. McGee, MD. Dr. Cotts is a cardiologist and the medical director, Heart Transplantation. He is responsible for post-operative patient management both in the hospital and at home. Dr. McGee is a cardiothoracic surgeon and the surgical director, Heart Transplantation and Mechanical Assistance. Dr. McGee has extensive experience in both donor procurement and heart transplantation.

Heart failure is a debilitating and often lethal disease that requires comprehensive management including carefully chosen medications, prudent surgical intervention, and cardiac rehabilitation. The Center for Heart Failure's outstanding multidisciplinary team uses a systematic approach to manage patients with heart failure.

The Center for Heart Failure is also currently conducting clinical research trials to test the latest devices and drugs related to heart failure and to identify genetic risk factors that may be responsible for heart failure and sudden cardiac death. These ongoing clinical research trials help to ensure that our patients continue to receive the most innovative care for heart failure in the country.

Contact

Center for Heart Failure
1-866-662-8467 (toll free)

Advanced Cardiac Therapy Clinic
312-695-0008

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery
312-695-4965