Heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when the heart can no longer operate efficiently on its own, or effectively pump blood throughout the body. Signs of heart failure may include difficulty breathing, a racing heartbeat/heart palpitations, fatigue, or unexplained swelling. If left untreated, this condition can prove life-threatening.

Most people would assume that heart failure typically affects seniors, but younger people can suffer from it too. A study conducted over the years of 2012 to 2019 shows the rate of death due to heart failure in those aged 16 to 44 years old actually increased. With the cases of diabetes and obesity also on the rise, potential contributors to heart disease, the concern for continued heart failure related deaths in both older and younger adults is valid.

Common risk factors that may lead to congestive heart failure over time include:

At CTVS, we have dedicated ourselves to preserving and restoring heart health for the past 65 years. Some ways that our cardiothoracic and vascular specialists recommend to help prevent heart disease, and potentially heart failure, are to exercise, eat well, know your family’s heart health history, and manage your conditions like diabetes and PAD.

If you are affected by congestive heart failure, we are here to help.

Heart Failure Care & Treatment at CTVS

We have an experienced team of board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons who specialize in treating heart failure, Dr. Eric Hoenicke, Dr. Jonathan Yang, and now Dr. Courtney Weber.

Dr. Weber is the first female cardiothoracic surgeon to join our practice.

Some of the therapies that CTVS offers to address heart failure include:

  • Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD): a battery-operated pump implanted in the chest that takes over the function of a failing heart, often used as a temporary measure while a patient is waiting for a heart transplant
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): a machine that assists with the functions of both the heart and lungs and allows them to heal when they are in a weakened state due to congestive heart failure, heart attack, or something like a traumatic injury
  • Heart Transplantation: an extensive life-saving procedure that swaps out a new, healthier donor heart with the damaged or poorly functioning heart

If you have a family history of congestive heart failure or possess any of the risk factors that may lead to it, be sure to schedule regular check-ups with a cardiologist to monitor your heart health.

For questions about any of our vascular, cardiac, or thoracic services, please visit ctvstexas.com or call us at (512) 459-8753 to schedule an appointment.

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