Congestive Heart Failure

Comprehensive Congestive Heart Failure Care

A diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) can feel overwhelming and frightening. Our team of CHF specialists is here to help patients regain a sense of calm, confidence, and control over this chronic condition.

CHF doesn’t mean that a person’s heart has failed, but rather that it can’t pump as well as it should. This can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs and body. When the heart can’t pump effectively, some parts of the body may not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. This contributes to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath.

When it comes to treating CHF, a multidisciplinary approach translates to better results. The ThedaCare Congestive Heart Failure Clinic is the only one of its kind in the Fox Cities. The expert, cardiologist-led team includes a nurse practitioner, pharmacists and registered nurse CHF coordinators.

Working with a comprehensive care team leads to better outcomes for patients. The ThedaCare Congestive Heart Failure Clinic has achieved results that are 23% better than the average in Wisconsin, according to AboutHealth. This is thanks in large part to a multidisciplinary approach that looks at each patient as an individual and treats all aspects of their condition.

Through effective treatment, patients can experience improved heart function and less shortness of breath. Better CHF management can lead to feeling better and living a longer life.

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Hear from the Expert

Listen to Dr. Oleg Chebotarev, General Cardiologist and Congestive Heart Failure Specialist, discuss the care he and his team provide.

Hear from Dr. Oleg Chebotarev

Our Solutions

Your treatment plan will depend on individualized factors, including the type of congestive heart failure you have. Lifestyle modifications are part of every treatment plan. Your doctor and healthcare team will advise you on additional treatments you may need.

Treatments

Treatments vary by symptoms and severity of each patient’s condition. The care team will work with each individual to determine the best treatment options and to adopt healthy lifestyle habits that can help better manage their condition.

Lifestyle modifications
- Blood pressure management and monitoring
- Fluid intake monitoring
- Smoking cessation
- Sodium intake reduction
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular physical activity, as recommended by your care team
- Managing diabetes and other underlying health conditions
- Limiting alcohol and avoiding illicit drug use
- Getting recommended vaccinations, such as influenza and pneumococcal vaccines
- Getting adequate rest and managing stress
Medications
- Our pharmacists work with the overall care team to identify the medication(s) that work best for each patient’s condition. They can also help manage side effects and address issues such as affordability.
- Depending on your condition, medications may include diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, ARNIs, SGLT2 inhibitors, aldosterone blockers, vasodilators or other medicines to improve heart function, reduce fluid buildup and manage symptoms. Your care team will determine which medications are appropriate for you.
Surgery and Advanced Therapies
- In some cases, patients may need a minimally invasive or open-heart procedure to treat their CHF. The ThedaCare Congestive Heart Failure program will make these referrals to our interventional cardiology or cardiothoracic surgery teams.
- Additional advanced therapies may include:
  - Coronary interventions or bypass surgery to restore blood flow
  - Heart valve repair or replacement
  - Pacemaker or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
  - Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
  - Ventricular assist device (VAD) for advanced heart failure
  - Heart transplantation for eligible patients with end-stage heart failure

Conditions We Treat

Congestive heart failure

Your care team may also diagnose and manage underlying conditions that contribute to heart failure, including coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, diabetes and congenital heart defects.

Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood as effectively as it should, causing fluid to build up in the body. Common symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying down
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet or abdomen due to fluid buildup
- Rapid weight gain caused by fluid retention
- Fatigue or decreased ability to perform normal activities
- A persistent cough, sometimes with wheezing
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
Your healthcare team may use several tests to diagnose congestive heart failure and evaluate your heart’s function. These tests may include:
- Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create images of the heart and measures how well the heart pumps blood.
- Chest X-ray: Helps identify fluid buildup in the lungs and changes in the size or shape of the heart.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the heart’s electrical signals to check for abnormal heart rhythms or other heart-related concerns.
- BNP blood testing: Measures levels of a hormone that may increase when the heart is under stress or when fluid buildup is present.
- Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function to help evaluate damage or other conditions affecting the heart.
Contact your healthcare team if you notice signs that your congestive heart failure may be getting worse, including:
- Sudden weight gain, which may indicate fluid retention
- Increased swelling in your legs, ankles, feet or abdomen
- Worsening shortness of breath, especially at rest or during routine activities
- Increased fatigue or a decrease in your ability to complete daily tasks
Reporting changes early can help your healthcare team adjust your treatment plan and reduce the risk of complications.