Heart failure clinic in Manchester, New Hampshire

Cardiac specialists at Appledore Medical Group are trained to help patients through the continuum of care needed from initial heart failure to the return of everyday activity.

Heart failure care

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition where weakened or stiff heart muscles reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, impacting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body. CHF can result from coronary artery disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure and cardiomyopathy. Symptoms of CHF vary widely and may include shortness of breath, fluid buildup and weight gain, irregular heartbeat, dizziness and fatigue. Treatments range from lifestyle and diet changes and medications to transplants and other surgical procedures.

Our specialists take a coordinated approach to treating CHF. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or experiencing advanced symptoms, we collaborate with other departments and partners to provide comprehensive services and resources in one place. You become part of a dedicated team focused on educating and empowering you to manage your condition effectively, stay out of the hospital, and increase your awareness about your overall health.

At the Heart Failure Clinic, you’ll find a full range of coordinated services to address your needs. Our team includes experts in:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation
  • Nutrition
  • Transitional/Home Care

Patients with advanced CHF are less likely to live symptom-free and need more services and treatments than those who have been recently diagnosed or are successfully managing their condition.

We offer several services for patients with advanced heart failure, which are listed below.

Advanced CHF Cardiology Care

Depending on the severity of their symptoms, advanced CHF patients are usually scheduled for more frequent in-office visits or telephone triage with one of our experienced heart failure nurses.

Infusion Therapy

Infusion therapy provides continuous medication support to patients with certain hard-to-manage CHF symptoms. The Heart Failure Clinic coordinates IV Lasix therapies for patients who have not had success with oral diuretics, as well as inotropes to increase exercise tolerance. Therapies typically begin in the hospital and are continued at home. Infusion therapy may also be offered in a clinical outpatient setting.

Ventricular assist devices (VADs)

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are mechanical pumps implanted in the lower heart chambers (the left or right ventricles) to help the heart pump blood to the rest of the body. Heart surgeons can place VADs in either heart chamber, but are most frequently implanted in the left ventricle (LVAD).

Heart failure symptoms

Someone with advanced heart failure feels shortness of breath and other symptoms even at rest. Symptoms may include:

  • Shortness of breast - breathlessness during activity, at rest, or while sleeping, which may come on suddenly and wake you up
  • Persistent coughing or wheezing - coughing that produces white or pink blood-tinged mucus
  • Buildup of excess fluid in body tissues - swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen or weight gain
  • Tiredness, fatigue: a tired feeling all the time and difficulty with everyday activities
  • Lack of appetite, nausea - a feeling of being full or sick to your stomach
  • Confusion, impaired thinking - memory loss and feelings of disorientation
  • Increased heart rate - heart palpitations, which feel like your heart is racing or throbbing

In its early stages, medication and a healthy lifestyle can help manage heart failure. But as the disease progresses and the heart becomes weaker, treatment gets more complex. That’s the time to have difficult, yet important, conversations with your family and your providers about the care you want to receive.

Heart Failure Support Group

This group offers a forum to connect you with other patients and families who can offer first-person guidance, advice and tips for managing your condition. This is ideal for patients who have been hospitalized with CHF, are struggling with recommended lifestyle changes or have undergone an LVAD or heart transplant. In addition to networking, Support Group meetings cover medications and technologies targeted for heart failure, diet tips, exercise and a question and answer session.