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.
Using an integrated and collaborative approach, heart failure is diagnosed, staged, and treated with a wide array of comprehensive therapies ranging from carefully chosen medications to complex heart surgery including heart transplantation. The director of the Center for Heart Failure at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is John B. O'Connell, MD, an internationally recognized cardiologist, known for his leadership in medical management of heart failure. Dr. O'Connell collaborates with world-renowned cardiac surgeon Patrick M. McCarthy, MD, a heart failure specialist who incorporates remodeling surgeries, heart transplantation, and ventricular assist devices in the management of heart failure.
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
(866) 662-8467 (toll free)
Advanced Cardiac Therapy Clinic
(312) 695-0008
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery
(312) 695-4965
