Overview
Excellent care for heart failure
If you or a loved one has heart failure, our UW Health experts are here to help at every stage, including the most complicated cases.
About heart failure
Heart failure happens when the heart cannot keep up with its workload, resulting in the body not getting the oxygen it needs. Heart failure doesn't mean the heart isn't working at all, but rather that the heart isn’t pumping as well as it should.
Advanced heart failure happens as heart disease worsens or does not respond fully to medications and lifestyle changes.
Your choice for expert heart care
Although heart failure cannot be cured, many patients experience significant improvement with individualized treatment. At UW Health, we provide access to today’s most advanced options for heart failure treatment, many of which are offered at only a select number of medical centers nationwide.
Our teams are deeply involved in heart failure research and clinical trials, bringing new medications, devices and treatment approaches directly to our patients.
We understand that heart failure is a journey, and we’re here to provide the support and expertise you need. As home to the No. 1 hospital in Wisconsin and the only heart hospital in Rockford, Ill., UW Health offers comprehensive care ranging from advanced diagnostics and noninvasive therapies to complex heart procedures and surgery.
Our Advanced Heart Failure Program in Madison, Wis., provides the full spectrum of advanced therapies, including mechanical circulatory support such as left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and heart transplant.
Second opinions
Our team welcomes patients seeking a second opinion on their heart failure diagnosis and treatment options. We accept most insurance plans. Check with your insurance provider to learn if you have coverage for a second opinion.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Recognizing heart failure
If you have heart failure, your heart doesn’t pump blood properly. This causes fluid to build up throughout your body. Symptoms of heart failure include:
Shortness of breath
Swelling
Weakness and tiredness
You may also notice weight gain and a cough that is worse when you’re lying down. This cough is caused by fluid buildup in your lungs.
We have advanced testing methods like invasive hemodynamics to assess why patients are experiencing shortness of breath with exertion.
We’ll work with you to manage your heart failure symptoms at every stage. We provide expert care from diagnosis through follow-up. We’ll also give you the tools you need to make necessary lifestyle changes.
Treatments and research
World-class treatment options
At UW Health, you have access to every treatment for heart failure. Our team will work with you to determine the cause of your heart failure and develop the best treatment plan.
Heart failure treatments range from medications and lifestyle changes to implanted devices that help your heart pump. For severe heart failure, doctors may recommend an assist device or heart transplant.
Patient stories
Hope and inspiration
Meet our team
Heart care experts
If you have heart failure, you want the best team by your side. We have a vast team of specialists committed to your care.
Our experts include heart failure and transplant cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, transplant surgeons, palliative care physicians, advanced practice nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, exercise physiologists and integrative health specialists.
Locations
Expert care near you
At UW Health, you have access to leading programs and top-rated facilities. For convenient checkups and follow-up care, we offer heart failure outreach clinics at locations in Wisconsin and Illinois.
Patient and support services
Resources for you
If you have heart failure, you may have questions or need support. At UW Health, we offer resources to help you on your path to better health.