Heart Failure

What is Heart Failure?

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​Heart failure (also called congestive heart failure, or CHF) is a condition in which the heart is not able to pump blood as effectively as it should.  This can lead to buildup of fluid int he lungs, legs, and other parts of the body.  Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped working, but rather that it is not keeping up with the body's needs.  Because the heart and kidneys work closely together, heart failure often impacts kidney function and overall fluid balance. ​​​​

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Common Symptoms

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Symptoms of heart failure can vary depending on severity but often includes swelling in the legs or abdomen, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain from fluid retention, and difficulty lying flat due to breathing discomfort.  In more advanced cases, symptoms can significantly impact daily life and qualify of life.

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Common Causes​

Heart failure can develop from a variety of underlying conditions.  Common causes include coronary artery disease, prior heart attacks, long-standing high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and certain heart rhythm disorders.  Over time, these conditions can weaken or stiffen the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump effectively.  

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Why Heart Failure Matters​

Heart failure is a serious, chronic condition that requires ongoing management.  It is associated with increased risk of hospitalization, reduced quality of life, and high risk of complications and death if not treated appropriately.  In fact, heart failure is one of the leading causes of hospitalizations and is the #1 cause of hospital readmissions in the United States.  Early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly improve outcomes and help reduce these risks.   

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How AKC Can Help

Dr. Pepin and Advanced Kidney Care are at the forefront of heart failure care, using evidence-based guidelines and the latest FDA-approved therapies to help optimize treatment.  We focus on optimizing fluid balance and guiding goal-directed medical therapy (GDMT) to improve outcomes.  We use an individualized combination of ARBs, Beta-blockers, SGLT2 inhibitors, MRAs, and GLP-1 therapies to help reduce heart failure-related illness and death.

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Out team works closely to initiate and carefully adjust these therapies, optimize diuretics, and collaborate with local cardiologists to ensure high-quality, safe treatment.  Through personalized care and close follow-up, we aim to reduce hospitalizations, improve symptoms, and support long-term heart and kidney health.