Do people with early heart disease have symptoms?
September 21, 2026
Signs of heart disease aren’t always obvious. Some people notice chest discomfort, shortness of breath or unusual fatigue, while others don’t notice any changes at all.
Ventricular assist device program
If you have advanced heart failure and medications are no longer providing enough symptom relief, a ventricular assist device (VAD) may help your heart pump blood more effectively and improve blood flow throughout your body.
Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) program
If you have advanced heart failure and medications are no longer providing enough symptom relief, a ventricular assist device (VAD) may help your heart pump blood more effectively and improve blood flow throughout your body.
At Ascension Alexian Brothers our Advanced Heart Failure team provides a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether VAD therapy is the right treatment option for you. From your initial assessment through long-term care, our specialists will guide you and your family through every step of the process to ensure you receive personalized, compassionate care. Our goal is to help improve your quality of life, support your independence when possible, and help you return to the activities that matter most to you.
About the ventricular assist device program
We offer advanced VAD therapy and the latest innovations in mechanical circulatory support for people with advanced heart failure. Our team carefully evaluates each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment based on their heart condition, overall health and individual needs.
By combining advanced technology with the expertise of our VAD team, we provide highly specialized, personalized care designed to improve quality of life and help patients regain independence.
What is a ventricular assist device?
A ventricular assist device (VAD) is a mechanical pump used to treat advanced heart failure, a condition in which the heart is too weak to pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. A VAD helps your heart pump blood throughout your body, which can improve blood flow, relieve symptoms and help you feel stronger.
A VAD may be used while you’re waiting for a heart transplant or as a long-term treatment if a transplant isn’t the right option for you. In some cases, a VAD may also be used temporarily to support your heart while it recovers.
You may also hear a ventricular assist device called an LVAD (left ventricular assist device), which is the most common type of VAD used to treat advanced heart failure.
Who may benefit from a VAD?
A VAD may be an option if you have advanced heart failure and medications or other treatments are no longer providing enough relief.
You may benefit from a VAD if you:
- Have ongoing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue or weakness
- Have frequent hospital stays because of heart failure
- Need support while waiting for a heart transplant
- Are not eligible for a heart transplant or choose not to pursue one
- Need temporary support while your heart recovers
Our advanced heart failure team will carefully evaluate your heart function, overall health and personal goals to determine whether a VAD may be right for you.
Conditions treated by ventricular assist device specialists
Our VAD specialists diagnose, treat or help manage conditions such as:
- Advanced heart failure
- Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)
- Cardiomyopathies including ischemic, nonischemic, dilated, peripartum, familial
- Valvular heart disease
- Myocarditis
Your care team will evaluate your condition, symptoms and overall health to determine whether a ventricular assist device or another advanced heart failure treatment may be appropriate for your care plan.
When to see a heart failure cardiologist who specializes in VAD therapy?
You may be referred to or choose to see an advanced heart failure cardiologist if you have:
- Advanced heart failure that is no longer responding to medication or other treatments
- Have ongoing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue or weakness
- Have frequent hospital stays because of heart failure
- Need support while waiting for a heart transplant
- Are not eligible for a heart transplant or choose not to pursue one
- Need temporary support while your heart recovers
If you have advanced heart failure and your symptoms continue to worsen despite treatment, talk with your doctor or cardiologist. They can help determine whether a referral to a ventricular assist device specialist is appropriate based on your condition and treatment goals.
Talk with a ventricular assist device care team member
- Find an advanced heart failure cardiologist
- Call to talk with a VAD care team, 847-427-7100
If you have advanced heart failure, our VAD care team can evaluate your condition and discuss whether a VAD may be an appropriate treatment option for you.
Ventricular assist device treatments, care and services
Our VAD team provides comprehensive care and support throughout your VAD journey — from evaluation and treatment through recovery and long-term follow-up.
Services include:
- VAD evaluation: A thorough assessment to determine whether a VAD is the right treatment option for you.
- VAD implantation: Specialized surgical care with close monitoring before, during and after your procedure.
- Recovery and rehabilitation: Support to help you regain strength, build confidence and return to everyday activities.
- VAD education: Hands-on training for you and your caregivers to help you safely and confidently manage your VAD at home.
- Ongoing VAD care: Regular follow-up, device monitoring and coordination of your heart failure medications and overall care.
- 24/7 VAD support: Access to your VAD team for urgent questions or concerns related to your device.
- Care close to home: Coordination with emergency medical services, rehabilitation centers, dialysis centers and other community health care providers involved in your care.
Your VAD care team
Depending on your needs, your ventricular assist device care team may include:
- Advanced heart failure cardiologists
- Cardiothoracic surgeons
- Specialized VAD nurse practitioners and registered nurse coordinators
- Social workers, dietitians, pharmacists, and rehabilitation specialists
Your care team works together to coordinate your evaluation, treatment and follow-up care. They will help you understand your treatment options and provide support before, during and after VAD implantation.
Ventricular assist device program in Chicagoland
Ascension Alexian Brothers provides specialized ventricular assist device therapy for people with advanced heart failure. Our experienced VAD team provides comprehensive care from evaluation and implantation through recovery and long-term follow-up. We work closely with you and your family to create a personalized treatment plan focused on your health, goals and quality of life.
Frequently asked questions about ventricular assist device (VAD) care
An Advanced Heart Failure Cardiologist evaluates, treats and manages people with advanced heart failure who may benefit from a VAD. They also provide ongoing care before and after VAD implantation.
A VAD specialist helps care for people with advanced heart failure and related conditions, including heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), cardiomyopathy and end-stage heart failure.
You may be referred to a VAD specialist if you have advanced heart failure that is no longer well managed with medication or other treatments, or if your doctor recommends an evaluation for advanced heart failure therapies.
Some insurance plans or specialists may require a referral. Check with your insurance provider or care team before scheduling.
Ascension Alexian Brothers offers ventricular assist device therapy for people with advanced heart failure. Find a specialist to learn more about available services and locations.
Find ventricular assist device care in Illinois
If you have advanced heart failure, our VAD care team can evaluate your condition and help determine whether a VAD is the right treatment option for you. Connect with a specialist to learn more or request an appointment.
Call to request an appointment: 847-427-7100
Meet our VAD specialists: Ashish Haryani, MD or Baqir A Lakhani, DO
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
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