Advanced care for heart failure in Wichita
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What causes heart failure?
Congestive heart failure is often caused by a condition that damages your heart, which can include: cardiomyopathy (conditions affecting the heart muscle), coronary heart disease, heart inflammation, obesity, high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat. Heart failure is a progressive condition. Early warning signs vary depending on the type of heart failure you have. Initially, some people have no symptoms, but as the condition progresses you may experience shortness of breath and swelling in the feet, legs, ankles or stomach.
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How do doctors test for heart failure?
At Ascension sites of care, your doctor provides advanced diagnostic testing for heart failure. Heart failure tests may include:
- A physical exam
- Blood tests
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
- Exercise stress test
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
With cardiovascular specialists trained in the latest heart testing, treatments and procedures, care teams at Ascension sites of care connect you to advanced heart care close to home.
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Is congestive heart failure serious?
Congestive heart failure is a progressive condition that can be caused by coronary artery disease, chronic AFib and leaky heart valves. Other risk factors for heart failure are heart diseases that weaken the heart muscle, having a heart attack, high blood pressure, congenital heart disease, diabetes and some diabetes medications, and some cancer treatments. Cardiologists and heart surgeons at Ascension sites of care specialize in diagnosing and treating heart failure.
Talk to your doctor about your symptoms, or get a second opinion on a diagnosis or treatment options.
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What are the stages of heart failure?
There are four stages of heart failure – stage A, B, C and D – which range from high risk of developing heart failure to advanced heart failure.
- Stage A - high risk for heart failure
- Stage B - pre-heart failure (structural heart disease)
- Stage C - heart failure
- Stage D - advanced heart failure
Heart failure is a serious condition. At Ascension sites of care, your experienced care team has the expertise to deliver a personalized heart care plan based on your specific needs.
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How is heart failure treated?
Based on your diagnosis and health history, your doctor may recommend:
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
- Heart transplant
- Medical management including remote patient monitoring
- Medication therapies
- Ventricular assist device (VAD) to support your heart while preparing for surgery
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What are common symptoms of heart failure?
Symptoms of heart failure vary based on your heart failure diagnosis and stage of your condition. Common symptoms of heart failure include:
- Feeling tired or weak
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble breathing when lying down
- Weight gain with swelling in the feet, legs, ankles or stomach
Symptoms of end-stage heart failure are more distressing and may include more frequent shortness of breath, fatigue, anxiety and depression.
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How do I find a heart failure specialist near me?
When you are facing a serious diagnosis like heart failure or deciding on a treatment plan, there is a lot to think about. If you are looking for a second opinion for advanced heart care, our cardiologists are ready to help. Your advanced heart care and surgery offerings may include heart transplant and mechanical circulatory support such as ventricular assist devices (VAD) to temporarily or permanently perform functions of the heart. Talk to your doctor about treatment options that are right for you.