Our heart’s role is pumping oxygenated blood to our body and receiving it back after being used. Heart failure is defined as the condition where the heart is not functioning normally resulting in not being able to fulfil it’s role. It can be caused from a number of conditions such as coronary artery disease, genetic diseases, valvular diseases, aging, drug toxicity, viral infections and arrhythmias. Heart failure can cause several problems such as easy fatigue, shortness of breath, fluid retention causing leg swelling etc.
At CardioHealth Center Heart Failure Clinic we can investigate, monitor and treat heart failure patients. In the context of investigation, we are using information from the patient’s personal and family history, clinical examination, appropriate blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram using novel techniques such as 2D strain when necessary. According to the condition we may also use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT scanning and cardiac catheterization from our collaborators. Detailed investigation can help determine the cause and the severity of heart failure and define the treatment plan for each patient.
In the context of monitoring and treatment, we perform regular evaluations as well as unplanned evaluations when necessary. The presence of nurses trained in heart failure allows as to have more frequent contact with our patients and adjust their treatment in addition to the necessary visits to the doctors. We consider this very important since the condition and the needs of heart failure patients are continuously changing, therefore they need a direct contact with trained personnel in order to deal effectively with problems that might come up.
The ability of our clinic to monitor patients with advanced heart failure including patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) allows as to take care of the full range of heart failure patients.
Our clinic actively participates and supports GESY, providing citizens with all the services that can be obtained through the General Health System.