The heart is divided into four separate chambers, each with a different function. The two lower sections, called ventricles, are the heart’s main pumping chambers. The left side pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. The right side pumps oxygen-depleted blood back to the lungs for more oxygen. Heart failure occurs when the heart’s pumping action becomes too weak to meet the body’s needs. Symptoms of heart failure include breathlessness with activity or, in more serious cases, at rest; fatigue; fluid retention, particularly in the abdomen and legs; and a persistent cough due to fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Drexel cardiologists offer vast clinical expertise and personalized care that helps heart failure patients manage their symptoms and maintain the best health and quality of life possible.

Our cardiologists collaborate with nurses, nutritionists, and psychologists to offer patients comprehensive care and education in one centralized locations, providing patients with easy access to all of our services.

Our services include:

• Medical therapy: treatment protocols based on the latest academic research, including the use of promising new medications under development.
  
  
• Heart transplantation: collaboration with Drexel’s cardiothoracic surgery team provides attentive, individualized care for patients before and after surgery. In addition, we offer genetic blood testing after transplantation to detect organ rejection early, and help patients avoid multiple invasive cardiac biopsies.
  
  
• Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs): implantation of an instrument, about the size of a D battery, into the chest to help the heart pump oxygenated blood throughout the body. LVADs can be a life-saving alternative for patients who do not qualify for transplant or who prefer to avoid transplantation.

Patient Education: A Cornerstone of Care
For the best health outcomes, patients with heart failure must adhere to a strict medication regimen, and keep careful track of their body weight and fluid intake. In addition, important dietary and other lifestyle changes are typically recommended. Our nursing staff supports patients in making any necessary changes and teaches them critical self-care skills. They also communicate regularly with patients to help monitor their status and manage symptoms. Patients can contact the nurses at any time to obtain lab results, get advice or ask questions.  


The information on these pages is provided for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a physician or healthcare professional. If you have specific questions or concerns about your health, you should consult your healthcare provider.