Anita was excited to be a grandmother but a heart condition made her too weak to hold her newborn grandson. A year later, her energy and stamina are back. Just in time too.
When you have heart failure, everyday tasks like carrying groceries or going upstairs can be exhausting and leave you breathless. At Lehigh Valley Heart Institute, you receive care from the region’s largest team with cardiologists who are board-certified in advanced heart failure. As the region’s largest heart institute, we offer more treatment options to help you lead a fuller life.
Causes of heart failure
Coronary artery disease, or narrowing of the arteries due to fat deposits, is the most common cause of heart failure. Heart attacks, arrhythmias and structural heart problems also can lead to heart failure.
Signs of heart failure
Heart failure can cause fluids to accumulate in your body. This condition is commonly referred to as congestive heart failure. You also may experience fluid buildup in the lungs, or pulmonary edema.
Our heart specialists use the latest heart imaging technology to quickly and accurately diagnose heart failure.
- Signs of heart failure include:
- Shortness of breath, especially when lying down
- Coughing or wheezing, especially when lying down or exercising
- Swollen feet, legs or ankles (edema)
- Weight gain
- Unusual fatigue
- Impaired thinking
Treating heart failure
As one of the state’s largest heart institutes, we offer a complete range of heart failure treatments, including:
- Medication management
- Mechanical circulatory support
- Cardiac and thoracic surgery
Unparalleled collaboration for heart transplantation
Two leaders in heart care, Lehigh Valley Heart Institute and Penn Medicine, have collaborated to offer heart transplant care close to home.
About 90 percent of patients with heart failure who choose Lehigh Valley Heart Institute for their care are able to receive all of their treatment in the Lehigh Valley. Those requiring a heart transplant will be referred to Penn Medicine. Performing more than 50 transplants each year, Penn Medicine is a top-10 heart transplant program in the nation and has the best possible team and facility for these complex procedures.
