Heart failure is a serious medical condition where the heart does not efficiently pump blood throughout the body, depriving it of enough oxygen and nutrients to function normally.  It is a major health problem that affects nearly 5.7 million people in the United States and is the leading cause of hospitalization in people older than 65 years.  Heart failure often develops from an existing medical condition affecting the heart, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy or heart attack.  For most individuals, heart failure is a long-term condition that can be managed with medication and healthy lifestyle changes.  With treatment, many people with heart failure continue to live an enjoyable life.

Symptoms of heart failure can vary depending on the type of heart failure and the seriousness of the condition.  One of the first symptoms people may notice is shortness of breath after climbing stairs or other physical activities.  In addition, symptoms of left-sided heart failure may include difficulty breathing, cough, fatigue, general weakness, bluish color in fingers and lips, sleepiness, trouble concentrating, and inability to sleep lying flat.  People who have right-sided heart failure may have symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, pain in the abdomen, swelling in the lower extremities, abdomen and veins in the neck, frequent urination and weight gain.

People with heart failure need to follow a treatment plan for the rest of their life, as complications can arise if the condition is not treated properly.  The Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) Heart Failure Clinic helps patients to manage their condition and experience a higher quality of life. The Clinic is staffed by a team of cardiac nurses and pharmacists, with medical oversight provided by a cardiologist.  The team teaches patients how heart failure affects their bodies and how to recognize developing symptoms before they worsen and require hospitalization.  The Clinic focuses heavily on patient education that is customized for each patient to meet their specific needs and health goals.

Most patients who come to the Heart Failure Clinic are newly diagnosed with the condition, either from an inpatient or outpatient setting.  Patients are seen once a week for the first month after diagnosis.  During their visits, they receive a full health assessment from a nurse, and a pharmacist will perform a detailed medication reconciliation for all drugs that the patient is taking.  Patients receive education on self-care, such as diet, exercise and medication adherence.  The convenient location of the Clinic inside the Hospital allows for labs to be ordered and intervention by a cardiologist, if necessary.

The Clinic encourages patients to bring a support person with them to their appointments in order to help with encouragement and information processing.  Patients receive an array of tools to help them manage their condition, including a customized management plan, a pill box to organize their medications, a bathroom scale for monitoring their weight, and a calendar to record their weight and symptoms.  After their first month of visits to the Clinic, patients return for a follow-up visit after three months and then every six months for the rest of their lives.

The LMH Heart Failure Clinic utilizes a variety of resources to ensure accessibility of care for patients with heart failure.  The Clinic offers telehealth visits and the LMH Ride program for patients who cannot easily get to the Hospital for appointments.  A heart failure nurse will attempt to visit patients in the Hospital who are being treated for the condition to provide additional education, and if eligible, will set up an appointment at the Clinic within three to five days after discharge.

A diagnosis of heart failure can be a frightening experience for individuals and their families.  The medical team at the LMH Heart Failure Clinic works to ensure that patients have the education, resources and support that they need to live a healthy, fulfilling life.  People who are concerned about their heart health should visit their primary healthcare provider to discuss preventive measures and treatment options.