Heart Healing: The Latest Treatments for Congestive Heart Failure

Photo of a patient in a hospital looking at a doctor Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious and progressive disease, but the outlook for patients with CHF has never been better. “New advances have revolutionized the treatment of CHF,” says Simon Maybaum, MD, medical director of the Center for Advanced Cardiac Therapy at the Montefiore-Einstein Heart Center. He also plays an important role in the Heart Center’s Cardiac Transplant and Assist Device Program.

Living With CHF

“There are several effective medications available that stall the progression of CHF and sometimes even reverse damage to the heart muscle,” Dr. Maybaum says.

Treatment for CHF varies depending on the cause and severity of the disease and the patient’s symptoms. Most patients find that adopting healthy lifestyle habits helps relieve their symptoms. In addition, patients typically take several medications to help stabilize and sometimes improve their condition. It’s important for patients to take their medication as directed, follow their prescribed diet, monitor their condition closely and call their doctors or seek emergency medical care early on if their symptoms get worse. Although CHF can be challenging to control, a specialized staff can provide clinical care and emotional support, and can teach patients how to best to care for themselves. A clinician and patient “team approach” is the key to success.

“New medications make a tremendous difference in patients’ lives,” Dr. Maybaum says. “But the benefits don’t always last forever, and some patients find that their condition eventually declines.”

Patients with advanced CHF or those who no longer respond to routine medication may need treatment that includes cardiac devices, such as defibrillators and/or pacemakers or, procedures or surgeries that improve blood flow to the heart. Some even need heart pumps that can temporarily take over the heart’s function, and others require heart transplants, which often means a long wait until a suitable donor is found.

Advanced Care and Hope for the Future

Experts at the Cardiac Transplant and Assist Device Program at the Montefiore-Einstein Heart Center offer an array of state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services not available at many hospitals.

“Our multidisciplinary team of surgeons, physicians, and nurses work side-by-side to evaluate patients, assess the available options and determine the right treatment for each patient,” Dr. Maybaum says. “Patients have access to the latest medications, cardiac devices and other cutting-edge treatments, not to mention some of the nation’s leading cardiac experts under one roof. Patients may also be eligible to participate in clinical studies of promising new therapies.” Surgeons and physicians at the Heart Center have been involved in major drug trials for CHF and are working on innovative strategies to treat patients with advanced disease.

“We’re trying to determine if heart pumps can have broader applications,” Dr. Maybaum says. “Currently, we use them as a bridge for patients who are waiting for heart transplants. But we’re exploring the option of using them earlier in the disease process while we administer new medications or stem cell therapies. Our goal is to find a more lasting way to reverse CHF and help prolong patients’ lives.”

Fast Fact

Did you know?
More than 90,000 men, women and children are awaiting lifesaving transplants right now. Sadly, every day, 18 people die waiting for an organ to become available. Consider making a decision to become an organ donor today. Learn the facts at: www.montefiore.org/donatelife

For more information about the Montefiore-Einstein Heart Center, please call 1-800-MD-MONTE or visit: www.montefiore.org/heart.