When you have heart failure, everyday tasks like carrying groceries or going upstairs can be exhausting and leave you breathless. At Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular 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, known as 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
Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is now proudly part of Jefferson Health. Together, we are collaborating to offer heart transplant care close to home.
About 90 percent of patients with heart failure who choose LVHN for their care can receive all their treatment in the Lehigh Valley. Those requiring a heart transplant will be referred to Jefferson Health. Jefferson has helped more than 1,200 patients receive new hearts, and its transplant expertise and excellence are nationally recognized.
