Heart Failure Program
Congestive Heart Failure Care at Carilion Clinic
The term “heart failure” may sound frightening when first heard. When a person has this diagnosis, their heart is still working, but it is not pumping as strongly or filling as effectively as it once did. Heart failure will not go away, but it can be managed so that you can increase your lifespan and remain as active for as long as possible. The Heart Failure Program at Carilion Clinic was developed to help you and your loved ones learn how to live with heart failure and improve your quality of life.
Know the Five - Don't Ignore the Signs
Signs of Heart Failure
- Weight gain - 2-3 pounds in one day
- Shortness of breath -with little change in activity
- Increased swelling - in feet, legs or abdomen
- Heart rate - fast or irregular
- Fatigue - more than usual
Education and close monitoring are key components to managing heart failure.
Encourage your family, friends and patients to develop healthy habits to avoid a potentially debilitating illness.
Heart failure may result from any or all of the following:
- Heart valve disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Arrhythmias (irregular heart rate)
- Previous heart attack(s)
- Excessive sodium intake
- Anemia
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
Services Available
Inpatient Heart Failure Unit
Carilion Clinic has an Inpatient Heart Failure Unit dedicated to caring for patients with the diagnosis of heart failure. Daily care will be provided by nurses who have received special training in the care of heart failure patients. The patient will be given specific education related to their heart failure diagnosis, its signs and symptoms, current medications, activity/exercise, nutrition, and discharge needs, including follow-up appointments.
The unit's nursing staff, led by Luanne Kuchler, RN, MSN, Unit Director, work in partnership with a multidisciplinary team, including physician, case management, pharmacy, nutrition, and cardiac/physical/occupational therapy services.
Outpatient Heart Failure Clinic
Carilion Clinic has also developed the Outpatient Heart Failure Clinic to offer the expertise of Stephen G. Phillips, M.D., a cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis and management of heart failure. Dr. Phillips and the clinic team follow specific evidenced-based guidelines from the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association and Heart Failure Society of America.
The Heart Failure Clinic provides the following care:
- early follow-up after discharge from the hospital
- ongoing visits to monitor signs and symptoms
- management of heart failure medications
- education and support to help manage the disease
- telephone consultations
- coordination with the patient’s primary physician
- referrals to other providers/services as needed, including Cardiac Rehabilitation for further education, management, and exercise as appropriate.
Currently, the Heart Failure Clinic is open on Wednesdays. For further information, please contact Mary R. Davis, RN, BSN, Patient Care Coordinator of the Heart Failure Program at 540-981-8749.
Carilion Clinic Location Information
