The Rush Approach to Heart Failure Care

Congestive heart failure occurs when your heart weakens and can’t pump enough blood throughout your body. It doesn’t mean your heart has stopped working or is about to stop working, but it is a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention. Heart failure can result from a variety of causes — including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and heart attack — and lead to a variety of symptoms.

Rush's heart failure specialists and cardiovascular surgeons are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart failure and recommend the appropriate treatment in our multidisciplinary clinic.

After a thorough cardiac assessment, we draw on the latest research and technology to give you the personalized care you need to help your heart work better. This may include anything from beta blockers to bypass surgery, from lifestyle changes to ventricular assist devices.

Rush Excellence in Heart Failure Care

• Care that doesn’t fall through the cracks: At Rush, we are committed to ensuring that every patient is given the attention and resources they deserve. Our care coordination team follows your care from your first day with us. They ensure that you’re referred to the right specialists, that your entire care team is fully briefed on your case, and that your treatment and follow-up appointments are handled correctly.
• Personalized treatment options: If you are diagnosed with congestive heart failure, treatment can help you lead a longer and more active life. Some treatments we may recommend for you include: changes to your diet, beta-blockers, diuretics, angioplasty, bypass surgery or a cardiac defibrillator.
• Nationally recognized heart failure care: The American Heart Association has honored Rush University Medical Center for its heart failure care with the Get with the Guidelines Achievement Award.
• Access to up-and-coming clinical trials: Heart specialists at Rush are engaged in congestive heart failure research, leading to a better understanding of the complexities of its care. Some therapies for congestive heart failure are often available through these clinical trials, and we will discuss your options to see if you are eligible for a trial.
• Ensuring thorough care from day one: Outside of the hospital, Rush Copley's Heart Failure Outpatient Clinic provides you with comprehensive risk assessments, educational opportunities and self-management tools to help maximize your quality of life. You can be seen within a week from being discharged from the hospital. You'll benefit from extensive evaluation, counseling and reinforcement of treatment plans.
• Expertise in reducing your stroke risk: Cardiomyopathy and other heart conditions can cause strokes. If you’ve had a stroke due to a heart condition, or due to an unknown cause, the team at Rush’s comprehensive Stroke-Cardiology Clinic can help prevent you from having another. Our cardiology and vascular neurology experts work together to create your customized treatment plan, using their expertise in medical therapies, minimally invasive procedures and risk reduction strategies.