Heart Failure Care

Our approach to heart failure care

A heart failure diagnosis can be life changing and frightening. When your heart becomes progressively less efficient, it prevents you from living a normal life. We are specialists in treating early to advanced stages of heart failure.

How to work with us

Most often, your primary care physician will detect the early stages of a heart problem. They might hear a heart murmur and send you to a cardiologist. There, you’ll likely get an EKG, a stress test and an echocardiogram. 

If the cardiologist finds something concerning, they’ll usually refer you to an advanced heart failure cardiologist. You can always reach out to us directly at our Heart Failure Care Services program.

Meet your team

We recruit top cardiology talent here at UCI Health. Your advanced heart failure care team will likely include: 

• Cardiologists
• Cardiothoracic surgeons
• Nurse practitioners who specialize in advanced heart failure
• Program coordinators
• Physical therapists
• Pharmacists
• Social Worker
• Dietitian
• Health Coach
• Outpatient staff

Your attending physician and multidisciplinary team share information with each other to fill in any knowledge gaps. We’ll always include and prioritize your treatment preferences. But we’ll also strongly recommend what we think your best options are from our years of clinical expertise.

What patient-centered care looks like

We understand that during a vulnerable health journey, our actions may affect every aspect of your life. Your health comes first, even if it means referring you to another medical center for a procedure. Patient-centered care means that our doctors are willing to make the difficult and uncomfortable decisions that serve you best. 

Why choose UCI Health for heart failure care?

We have a world-class intensive care unit staffed day and night by fully trained and credentialed ICU specialists

Heart conditions, especially advanced heart failure, can become life-threatening in a flash. It’s critical to have fellowship-trained doctors available at all hours to manage and stabilize your condition. Our robust infrastructure, which includes having cardiac surgeons on staff or on call, means integrated, top-level care for you.

Clinical trials for heart conditions

As the only academic health system in Orange County, UCI Health participates in clinical trials for heart failure. These trials look at new, effective ways to treat heart failure. If you qualify, you may have access to innovative therapies not yet widely available. 

Nationally recognized heart failure program

Ours was the first program in Orange County to earn the Gold Seal of Approval certification by The Joint Commission. The Joint Commission is the predominant, standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. We also received the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Award. This means that you receive the highest standard of care for heart failure. 

Comprehensive heart care

Heart failure is often associated with other health conditions. And at UCI Health, our specialists all work together to ensure you’ll get the comprehensive heart care services you need. Our highly specialized team includes experts in: 

• General cardiology 
• Advanced heart failure cardiology 
• Interventional and structural heart care 
• Preventive cardiology
• Heart surgery 
• Cardiac rehab 
• Women’s heart services 
• Heart health coaching

UCI Health is the only hospital in Orange County that’s credentialed to implant an LVAD.

An LVAD (left ventricular assist device) can be a life-saving treatment for advanced heart failure. It effectively acts as a mechanical heart transplant, a permanent solution or a bridge to a heart transplant. An LVAD extends and improves your quality of life.