Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood as effectively as it should, leading to a range of symptoms caused by fluid buildup.
These symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
- Difficulty breathing when lying flat
- Sudden weight gain
- Decreased appetite
- Confusion or mental fog
- Fatigue
- Persistent cough
Understanding the signs and symptoms of heart failure is essential for managing this chronic condition. Heart failure has various causes, such as coronary artery disease (blockages in the heart’s arteries), high blood pressure, heart attacks, abnormal heart rhythms and valvular heart disease. Proper management of these underlying conditions can help improve symptoms and reduce the risk of heart failure exacerbations.
The heart failure clinic at Carroll Hospital, located in the Tevis Center for Wellness, plays a vital role in helping patients manage heart failure. Working closely with cardiologists and other LifeBridge Health heart failure clinic locations at Sinai and Northwest hospitals, the clinic supports patients at every stage of the disease—from initial diagnosis to advanced stages.
The clinic offers:
- Guidance on recognizing symptoms and managing flare-ups;
- Assistance with medication adjustments, including intravenous therapies to reduce fluid buildup;
- Collaboration with medication management pharmacists to explain the purpose of heart failure medications, address affordability concerns and connect patients to assistance programs; and
- Education on disease management and lifestyle changes, such as adopting a low sodium diet and fluid restrictions.
In addition, we work closely with a team of nurses, social workers and registered dietitians who provide comprehensive resources tailored to meet each patient’s needs. Please call 410-871-7000 to learn more
Jennifer Fisher, CRNP, is the nurse practitioner at the heart failure clinic at Carroll Hospital.
Celebrate American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, an opportunity to increase awareness of heart disease, including heart failure, and highlight the resources available to manage this condition.
Participate in Wear Red Day on the first Friday of February (Friday, Feb. 7, 2025) to show your support and help spread awareness.
