People who have advanced heart failure may develop abnormal conduction of the heart’s electrical system that changes how the heart beats. CRT may be needed to improve heart function, reduce hospitalization risk, and improve survival. These devices are surgically placed and include a special pacemaker that makes the ventricles contract in a normal fashion and in synchrony.

ECMO is a life-sustaining therapy that involves the use of a heart-lung machine to mimic the natural function of the heart and lungs.

This innovative procedure gives patients temporary respiratory and cardiac support as they undergo treatment to the affected organ, allowing the heart and lungs to rest.

An LVAD is a battery-operated, mechanical pump-type device that is surgically implanted in patients with end-stage congestive heart failure. It helps maintain the pumping action of the left ventricle when it can no longer function effectively on its own.

Heart failure is often treated with a combination of medications. The heart failure experts at Maimonides Advanced Heart Failure Center take a personalized approach to develop an individualized course of treatment to meet your special needs.

Medications prescribed to treat heart failure may include:

• Aldosterone Antagonists – Are drugs that help rid the body of extra fluid and lower blood pressure. Blood potassium and creatinine (for kidney function) will be closely monitored
• Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors – Are drugs that help to keep your heart failure from getting worse. Sometimes they even shrink an enlarged heart back to normal size
• Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI) – Is a new combination drug (sacubitril/valsartan) used in patients with a reduced EF and may replace the use of ACE Inhibitor or ARB therapy. It has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of death and hospitalization
• Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB) – Are drugs that help relax blood vessels which assist in lowering blood pressure and allow the heart to pump easier
• Beta Blockers – Are drugs that lower the blood pressure and slow the heart rate, possibly lessening the stress which may play a part in heart failure
• Diuretics – Are water pills that help your kidneys produce more urine. This results in less fluid for your heart to pump. With less to pump, the heart does not need to work so hard
• Lanoxin (Digoxin) – Is a medicine that strengthens the heart muscle to help pump more blood with each heartbeat

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement or Percutaneous Mitral Clip

Advanced Heart Failure can be caused by aortic or mitral valve disease. The heart valves regulate the flow of blood inside the heart. When they do not function properly, this puts extra strain on the heart and can lead to Advanced Heart Failure. Heart valve replacement or a mitral clip can often improve or resolve the Advanced Heart Failure condition.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention or Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

Advanced Heart Failure can be caused by coronary artery disease. The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. When blockages in the coronary arteries restrict the blood supply to the heart muscle in a condition known as ischemic heart disease, this puts extra strain on the heart and can lead to Advanced Heart Failure. Removing these blockages can improve overall heart function, which may improve or resolve heart failure symptoms.