Ask the expert: How is heart failure treated?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition that can limit quality of life and sometimes deteriorate to advanced heart failure. Multiple conditions can cause advanced heart failure. Heart failure may develop slowly over time — as is the case with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — or develop abruptly. We spoke with UChicago Medicine cardiologist Dr. Nir Uriel to learn more about managing heart failure.

What are the treatment options for heart failure?

Treatment may require medical therapy combined with lifestyle changes, including physical activity and dietary restrictions. Some patients will need a pacemaker and implantation of a defibrillator. Today, heart failure can be monitored through an implanted chip that transmits information daily to a patient’s care team. If the disease progresses to advanced heart failure, we will work with the patient toward heart transplantation or a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

What are LVADs?

An LVAD is an implanted pump that supports the heart by moving blood from the heart’s main chamber, the left ventricle, and into the main artery of the body, the aorta. This technology can provide excellent quality of life and longevity to patients with advanced heart failure, both temporarily until a heart transplant is available or as the main therapy for as long as is needed.

How do you decide which treatment to recommend?

Every patient is unique and requires attention from multiple providers, including surgeons, cardiologists, social workers, nutritionists, pharmacists and nurses. Our multidisciplinary team meets regularly to tailor the precise medical or surgical therapy for each patient’s condition. As such, our patients are given more holistic and integrated care.