Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure, also known as heart failure, occurs when your heart’s pumping action cannot meet your body’s needs. Heart failure does not mean your heart as stopped – it means your heart may be weakened or not working properly.

At MercyOne, we have a comprehensive heart and vascular team dedicated to providing you personalized, comprehensive care. From education to diagnosis through treatment, we’ll get you back to living your best life.

Go to the emergency department or call 911 if you experience:

  • Sudden or severe chest pain.
  • Severe shortness of breath.
  • Unexplained sweating or weakness.
  • Trouble talking.
  • Weak legs or arms.

Heart failure interferes with the heart’s ability to fill with blood and meet the body’s blood flow needs.

Causes of heart failure include:

  • Coronary artery disease.
  • Diabetes.
  • Drug and alcohol abuse.
  • Heart muscle disorder.
  • Heart valve disease.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Irregular heartbeat.
  • Obesity.
  • Sleep apnea.
  • Virus infection.
  • Weakened heart muscle.

Heart failure can cause build-up of fluid, called congestion. Other symptoms occur because not enough oxygen-rich blood gets to the body.

  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Increased or decreased urination
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, fingers or belly

At MercyOne, our team of experts specialize in treating advanced heart failure. Your team will create a personalized treatment plan to meet your health care goals.

Services and treatments include:

  • Medical therapy and management
  • Advanced surgical treatment options
  • Ventricular assist devices (VADs)
  • Remote monitoring including CardioMEMS
  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Cardio-oncology
  • Cardiac amyloidosis
  • Access to research studies and clinical trials

While heart failure cannot be cured, it can be treated so you can live your best life.