Black female doctor talking to older female patient about heart failure and transplants

Advanced care for heart failure in Wichita

Choose the experienced heart specialists at Ascension Via Christi to deliver advanced care for heart failure in Wichita, Kansas.

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Your heart deserves specialized attention and the best care. Heart specialists at Ascension Via Christi in Wichita, Kansas, specialize in diagnosing and treating heart failure. When your heart is unable to pump blood properly, you may experience congestive heart failure. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue and having swollen ankles, legs or stomach. When you choose Ascension Via Christi for your heart failure care, you get compassionate, personalized care. Every appointment starts with a conversation about how you are feeling, any new symptoms or concerns. Your care team will take the time to answer all your questions — big and small.  By getting to know you and working together, you get the heart care that’s right for you. 

Our heart specialists are part of an integrated, national network of heart care, sharing best practices and offering evaluation and treatment of the most routine and most advanced heart conditions. To diagnose heart failure, your doctor may recommend testing, such as:

  •  Cardiac nuclear imaging
  •  Echocardiogram (TTE)
  •  Exercise stress testing
  •  Stress echocardiograms
  •  Transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE)
  •  24-hour ambulatory EKG monitoring, also known as Holter monitoring

Congestive heart failure treatments and care

Understanding your heart failure symptoms and how to manage them is important. Congestive heart failure is a progressive condition. Cardiovascular disease, such as narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation (AFib), a leaky heart valve, cancer treatments, and inherited conditions can cause congestive heart failure. We’re here to help. We listen to understand your health concerns. Then, we work with you to create a care plan that’s right for you.

At the Heart Failure Clinic at Ascension Via Christi, our doctors specialize in advanced heart failure treatments, including:

  • Focused congestive heart failure clinics (outpatient and virtual)
  • Medication management
  • Education on healthy lifestyle including exercise and nutrition
  • Diagnostic testing and imaging for congestive heart failure
  • Coordination with the entire cardiovascular care team and primary care

Get a second opinion on your heart condition

With a diagnosis of congestive heart failure, there's a lot to think about. Getting a second opinion not only provides more information about your condition, but it can also help you feel more confident in the doctor and care plan you choose. If you’re looking for a second opinion, we can connect you with a cardiologist that’s right for you.

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Helping you transition home from the hospital

After being discharged from the hospital, we connect you with follow-up care. Our transitional care clinic will help you manage your heart condition. You will be given information on how to take care of your heart to help avoid a more serious condition. Your care team will include a pharmacist and nurse practitioner who work with you and your doctor to help you transition from the hospital to your home. 

Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation at Ascension Via Christi 

Rehabilitation is an important part of your care. Our goal is to get you back to enjoying time with your loved ones. Specialists at Ascension Via Christi Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation are here for you. We combine education with exercise to create an individualized care plan that’s right for you. We teach you about your heart and lung health, how it affects your overall health, and ways to improve your quality of life.

Frequently asked questions about heart failure

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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
  • 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.

  • 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.


If you are experiencing chest pain, especially in combination with jaw or arm pain, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting or difficulty breathing, you might be having a heart attack. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.