Cardiology in Arizona

Heart Failure Clinic

Heart failure is a complex, dynamic disease process characterized by remissions and exacerbations. The majority of heart failure patients have a left ventricle that either contracts or relaxes inefficiently thereby causing symptoms such as shortness or breath, exercise intolerance and edema. The Heart Failure Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Arizona offers a patient-centered approach to the treatment of this devastating disease. The clinic features a team approach with emphasis on patient education, convenient clinic access and state of the art utilization of advanced treatment modalities for effective management.

The Heart Failure Clinic features the clinical expertise of full-time dedicated heart failure physicians in addition to a heart failure nurse practitioner and heart failure RN. The emphasis on specialization has been demonstrated to reduce hospitalizations for heart failure and allow for improved clinical outcomes compared to medical centers without a dedicated heart failure program.

Patients followed at the Heart Failure Clinic can participate in state-of-the art research trials aimed at improving quality of life. In patients with severely advanced heart failure, specialized treatment strategies can be implemented to improve patient quality of life:

• Internal defibrillator placement (devices which monitor the heart for dangerous rhythms which can be corrected with electrical charges)
• Specialized cardiac pacemakers which can correct inefficient electrical impulses
• Aquapharesis which allows for the removal of large volumes of fluid using a specialized intravenous catheter
• Inotropic medications which allow the heart to contract with greater force

The Heart Failure Clinic also treats patients with a medical condition known as pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by an elevation in the pressures in the lungs which can result in symptoms similar to heart failure. Prompt diagnosis and implementation of appropriate therapy are vital for ensuring successful patient outcomes.

We welcome the opportunity to assist both patients and other health care professionals with the care and management of heart failure and pulmonary hypertension patients. For appointments or more information, please click here.