Cardiovascular Diseases in Arizona

Heart Failure Clinic

Heart failure is a complex, dynamic disease. The majority of people with heart failure have a lower-left heart chamber (left ventricle) that either contracts or relaxes inefficiently, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, exercise intolerance and edema.

The Heart Failure Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Arizona offers a personal approach to the treatment of heart failure. The Heart Failure Clinic is staffed by an experienced team of heart specialists (cardiologists), heart surgeons, nurses, nurse practitioners, nutrition specialists (dietitians), social workers, physical therapists and other medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. The clinic emphasizes education, convenient clinic access and advanced treatment options to help people with heart failure manage their condition.

In the Heart Failure Clinic, people with heart failure and advanced heart failure may have the opportunity to participate in state-of-the art research trials and specialized treatments aimed at improving their quality of life.

Treatment for heart failure may include:

• Heart transplants for some people who have advanced heart failure
• Implantation of devices that monitor the heart for dangerous rhythms which can be corrected with electrical charges (internal defibrillator placement)
• Implantation of specialized cardiac pacemakers that can correct inefficient electrical impulses, including cardiac resynchronization therapy devices
• Implantation of ventricular assist devices
• Prescribing medications that allow the heart to contract with greater force (inotropic medications)
• Removal of large volumes of fluid using a specialized intravenous long, thin tube (catheter) (aquapharesis)

The Heart Failure Clinic also treats people with pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension is an uncommon type of high blood pressure, affecting the arteries in the lungs. The condition can result in symptoms similar to heart failure. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy are important to manage and treat people with this condition.

The staff welcomes the opportunity to assist people who have heart failure and health care professionals who refer people to Mayo Clinic with care for heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.

Appointments

For appointments or more information, call the Central Appointment Office at 800-446-2279 (toll-free) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain time, Monday through Friday, or complete an online appointment request form.