Advanced Cardiac Specialists recently opened the first dedicated Heart Failure Clinic in Phoenix.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a major public health problem and is the leading cause of hospital admissions in the United States. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute estimates that over 4.7 million Americans have CHF and that about 400,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Over 200,000 Americans die of heart failure annually. This translates into a huge depletion in terms of survival, quality of life, productivity, and finances. Almost 1 million hospitalizations occur each year from CHF, at an estimated cost of over $7 billion. In 1990 alone, total treatment costs for heart failure, including physician visits, drugs, and nursing home stays, were over $10 billion.

Patients who are diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure must understand the serious implications of this disease. Some clinical studies have shown that the five-year mortality rate approaches 50%; i.e. more than half the patients diagnosed with serious CHF are likely to die in the next five years.

The end result is the same: the heart muscle is not strong enough to pump adequate blood to meet the demands of the body. Swelling of the feet and ankles (edema) and fatigue (from low cardiac output) are prominent symptoms. The symptoms vary greatly depending on the severity of heart failure. With worsening CHF, blood and extra fluids may back up into the lungs, making breathing extremely difficult.

With several recent advances in medical therapy, and ongoing clinical research, this group of patients has much to gain from very close clinical follow-up and monitoring of their medications.

ACS has an established reputation in Heart Failure Research in the state of Arizona. We have been a leading participant in the Southwest for many of the cutting-edge, FDA -approved, heart failure trials. This means that eligible patients receive the benefits of many newer and enhanced "research medications" not available to the general population. If they respond well, they usually continue to receive the drug at no additional charge, until it is available in the open market (which could be several years, in some instances). ACS’ experience with these trials has been extremely gratifying and is due to the combined strength of dedicated expert care, close follow-ups, personalized attention, as well as new medical breakthroughs.

Advanced Cardiac Specialists is thus, in a unique position to provide comprehensive and state-of-the-art health care to a large volume of patients with CHF, combining the strengths of established tools with cutting-edge therapeutic modalities, in a cost-effective and readily accessible way. Additionally, our close research affiliation with major cardiovascular University Medical Centers ensures that each patient will receive the best and most comprehensive medical expertise, in the most efficient and personalized manner.

With this in mind, ACS recently opened a dedicated Heart Failure Clinic at our Gilbert location. This will ensure that leading edge and comprehensive cardiac care is available to the maximum number of patients with heart failure, in an effort to improve their survival and quality of life. While remaining in the care of the referring physician, patients have access to specialized care, as and when required. Patients are usually seen by prior appointment. The Clinic is managed by cardiologists experienced in the treatment of heart failure. The staff includes a team of skilled nurses and research coordinators, who are well trained in clinical cardiology and conversant with the latest advances in heart failure management. The Clinic stresses education and self-management and encourages the patient to play a more active role in his or her care.

If you are a primary care physician or a cardiologist and are interested in obtaining additional information on the Heart Failure Clinic, or if you have a patient who you feel may benefit from participation in a heart failure trial, please contact us at (480) 545 -1847, or 1 (800) 73 PULSE, or e-mail us at bobbie.boyd@acs-im.com.

If you are suffering from heart failure and would like to attend our dedicated Heart Failure Clinic; or, would like more information regarding opportunities for participation in research, please contact us at (480) 545-1847, or 1 (800) 73 PULSE, or e-mail us at bobbie.boyd@acs-im.com.