Heart Failure Program in San Diego

Heart failure is a progressive condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to supply the body with the oxygen and nutrients it needs. This condition comes with an array of uncomfortable symptoms, including shortness of breath, ongoing fatigue, weight gain, fast or irregular heartbeat, or swollen legs and ankles.

Heart Failure Help Starts Here

Heart failure may be related to coronary artery disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, heart valve diseases, scar tissue from a heart attack, or an infection affecting the heart valves or heart. Heart failure must be treated by a specialist, or it will continue to advance, causing damage to your organs. We develop customized heart failure programs in San Diego at San Diego Cardiac Center to help our patients manage heart failure and experience the best possible quality of life.

Understanding Your Type of Heart Failure in San Diego

The first step in establishing your heart failure program is a full understanding of the form of heart failure you are living with. The three main types are:

Left ventricular heart failure: If your heart is unable to pump all the blood it collects, fluid can back up into your lungs. This is caused by a dysfunction of the left ventricle, one of the two lower chambers, which pumps blood to provide oxygen to the rest of the body.
Right ventricle heart failure: When the right ventricle, one of the lower two heart chambers, cannot pump blood correctly, the blood backs up in your veins.
Congestive heart failure: The blood flow slows to the point where fluid collects in your veins and around the heart, leading to excess fluid building up in your body tissues.

Your heart failure program will reflect the severity of your condition and how far it has progressed.

Diagnostic Testing for Heart Failure Patients in San Diego

Our specialists may run a series of tests to identify the problems with your heart. These tests may include:

Echocardiogram: An ultrasound test in which sound energy creates images of your heart to detect the problems.
SPECT Imaging or Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: This test involves injecting a radioactive substance into your vein that helps reveal how your heart is pumping the blood.
EKG – Electrocardiogram: This test uses electrodes to detects arrhythmias, past heart attacks, and signs of left ventricular hypertrophy.
Exercise Stress Test: This test involves walking on a treadmill to measures your heart’s response to physical stress from brisk walking or jogging on the treadmill.

Developing your Heart Failure Program

Your heart failure program in San Diego will move through several critical steps:

The cause of your heart failure must be identified through various advanced diagnostic tests.
The symptoms you are living with will be treated to help improve your condition.
The goal is to improve your quality of life and longevity by slowing the progression of heart failure.

Your Heart Failure Treatment Program

Our heart specialist will establish an individual treatment program to help reduce your symptoms. The program could include several treatments such as improved lifestyle and medications, including:

Dietary changes
Modified physical activities
ACE inhibitors (Relaxes your veins to lower blood pressure)
Beta-blockers (reduces adrenaline to slow your heartbeat and reduce its force to lower blood pressure)
Digitalis (stimulates the heart muscle)
Diuretics (“water pills” that help the kidneys and tissues shed excess water and salt, making it easier for the heart to pump blood
Vasodilators (blood vessel dilators to increase blood flow)

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Devices to Detect Heart Failure

Your condition may be significantly improved with an implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker or cardioverter device. These devices can treat a slow or fast heartbeat. During your diagnostic evaluation, our specialists will carefully assess your condition to determine whether a device like this is appropriate for your specific needs. If needed, we will incorporate it into your personalized treatment plan.

Why Choose San Diego Cardiac Center for Your Heart Failure Program?

If you suffer from heart failure in San Diego, San Diego Cardiac Center is a trusted and advanced option for your care. Our team of heart specialists provides cutting-edge, less invasive treatments and develops custom heart failure programs to prolong life, enhance heart health, and improve your quality of life. We are frequently engaged in clinical research and can offer treatments that are not available at any other clinic in the San Diego area.

Our heart specialists stay ahead of the curve in the latest developments in treatments for heart failure and are kind, compassionate, and dedicated to developing a program that improves your quality of life.

Patient Testimonial

"I would like to thank Dr. Narula and Dr. Bhatt from the San Diego cardiac Care center. I am thankful Dr. Bhatt recommend me to see Dr. Narula with regards to my swollen legs and was diagnosed with cardiac venous insufficiency. Dr. Narula and his staff were patient kind and understanding and found a way to help me. The diagnosis and the treatment procedures process were explained clearly and were performed with extreme professionalism. I can't thank the San Diego cardiac center their doctors, nurses, staff and the sharp healthcare system enough for what they have done for me and my family. All the staff were wonderful friendly the SHARP hospitals and the SDCC facilities were clean and well maintained. I am thankful for the care I have received."

- David H

Heart Failure FAQs

What are the early signs of heart failure I should look out for?

Common early symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath (especially during activity or while lying down), swelling in the legs or ankles, rapid weight gain from fluid retention, and persistent coughing or wheezing. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to get evaluated by a specialist.

How is heart failure diagnosed at San Diego Cardiac Center?

We use a combination of physical examinations, medical history review, and diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms, EKGs, stress tests, blood work, and cardiac imaging. These tools help us identify the type and severity of your heart failure.

Is heart failure curable?

While heart failure typically cannot be completely cured, it can be effectively managed. With the right combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and advanced treatments, many patients can live longer, healthier, and more active lives.

Will I need surgery for heart failure?

Not necessarily. Many patients manage their condition with medication, lifestyle adjustments, or implantable devices. Surgery may be recommended in advanced cases, such as when valve repair or a heart transplant is necessary. Your treatment plan will be fully customized.

Are heart failure treatments covered by insurance?

Most diagnostic tests, treatments, and follow-up care for heart failure are covered by insurance, including Medicare and most major plans. Our administrative team can help verify your coverage and answer any billing questions.

How often will I need to follow up with my doctor?

Follow-up frequency depends on your condition’s severity and treatment plan. In the beginning, visits may be more frequent to closely monitor progress, then transition to a more regular maintenance schedule.

Can heart failure affect other parts of my body?

Yes. Heart failure can impact your kidneys, liver, lungs, and even cognitive function if left untreated. That’s why it’s critical to manage it early and thoroughly to prevent complications.