Heart Failure Program

Heart failure or HF (also known as congestive heart failure or CHF) is a chronic condition in which the heart does not pump well enough to meet the body’s need. In many instances, heart failure (HF) flare ups can cause shortness of breath, leg swelling, weakness and fatigue and could lead to hospitalization. HF cannot be reversed but it can be successfully managed, to improve your everyday quality of life and limit future hospitalizations.

If you have heart failure, you can still lead a full and satisfying life with proper treatment and the right lifestyle choices.

The Heart Failure Program at Upstate has specially-trained Heart Failure Nurses who educate our hospitalized patients about Heart Failure and its management so you can better manage your condition at home.

Together, we can help you increase your quality of life, reduce the need for emergency room visits and minimize hospital stays. The Heart Failure Nurses work closely with your case managers, nursing and medical staff to coordinate your care while you are in the hospital and to assist with a smooth transition to home or the next level of care.

Our HF Case Manager can assist with any difficulties you may encounter in getting the care you need due to financial or social challenges. This includes working closely with the Upstate Outpatient Pharmacy to ensure medications can be taken home at discharge and mailed to your home when needed. These services are available at both Upstate University Hospital (Downtown Campus) and Upstate Community Hospital.

Our specialized cardiologists diagnose and manage various heart conditions. The Heart and Vascular Center offers echocardiograms, stress testing, cardiac MRI and Cardiac Catheterization. Treatment options vary for Heart Failure depending on the cause, severity and your overall health. Additional treatment options available for treating Heart Failure include Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), and a biventricular pacemaker (also known as cardiac resynchronization therapy). These therapies may improve symptoms and prolong survival.

The Heart Failure Program has received the Get with The Guidelines-Heart Failure Gold Plus Achievement Award from the American Heart Association since 2013. This award celebrates Upstate’s ongoing commitment to meet and exceed the highest standard of care for patients with Heart Failure.