RUSH heart failure specialists are experts in care for all stages of heart failure, from prevention to advanced heart failure treatment. Our team works with physicians across specialties to not only treat heart failure, but to address comorbidities such as diabetes, lung disease, obesity and substance use disorder. Each patient’s case is presented at a conference with specialists from many fields to create a care plan that matches their needs.
Our providers participate in clinical trials to treat patients with valve abnormalities that contribute to heart failure. This allows them to offer new therapies that may not be available at other medical centers. They also provide unmatched ventricular assist device care. In fact, their heart failure survival rates are among the highest in the country, with a 97% LVAD survival rate at one year — well above the national average of 86%. They’ve significantly reduced readmission rates for patients, as well, using advanced remote monitoring tools, including CardioMEMS.
Along with cardiologists, our heart failure team includes dedicated advanced practice providers, nurses and pharmacists who guide patients through every step of treatment. Care coordinators help manage appointments and ensure all testing and treatment is scheduled promptly. Team members are available to answer questions from patients and their families, assist with medications and follow up with any ongoing care they may need.
Who Are Ideal Candidates for Treatment at RUSH?
Patients with heart failure of any stage will find unparalleled care at RUSH, including those who have had unsuccessful treatment in the past and complex cases that other medical centers cannot treat. Our team provides advanced diagnostics for patients in need of second opinions, and with expert partners in interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery, they give patients with heart failure access to new options for care.
Why Refer Patients Here?
- Nationally recognized clinical care: U.S. News & World Report includes RUSH on its Best Hospitals Honor Roll and ranks our cardiology and heart and vascular surgery program among the best in the country. The American Heart Association has also honored RUSH for heart failure care with the Get With The Guidelines Gold Plus Achievement Award. Our heart failure team has among the highest survival rates in the nation that far exceed the national average.
- Team-based treatment plans: Our heart failure physicians hold conferences where specialists from many fields collaborate on each patient’s treatment plan. They’ll provide your patient with personalized care options based on their unique needs.
- Access to clinical trials: RUSH participates in many clinical trials related to heart and vascular health. Some therapies for heart failure are often available only through these clinical trials. Our specialists will discuss these options with your patient if they are eligible.
- Patient and family support: Our support systems help both patients and their families through the process of heart failure care. Our dedicated heart failure social worker helps patients address socioeconomic barriers to care and find options. Our pharmacists specialize in heart failure medicine and educate patients on their medications. Our cardiologists and heart failure advanced practice providers can see patients within a few days’ notice, either in person or over video calls, and address any concerns. And our heart failure nurse practitioners are available throughout the week during business hours to answer any questions patients and families may have related to care.
What Is the Process for Referring a Patient?
The team collaborates with referring providers in their patients’ care. They are notified of all testing and treatments and kept aware of their patients’ condition. Clinic notes are sent electronically to referring providers to ensure seamless follow-up with patients.
To refer a patient to RUSH for heart failure care, you can call the Provider Express Line at (312) 947-4725. You can also find more information and an online provider referral form on our Referring and Transferring Patients page.
Heart Failure Conditions We Treat
- Aortic Stenosis
- Cardiac Amyloidosis
- Cardiac Sarcoidosis
- Cardiogenetics
- Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiogenic Shock
- Cardio-Oncology Services
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
- Ventricular Tachycardia
Treatments and Tests Offered
- Imaging (e.g., ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, PET scans)
- Blood tests
- Physical examination and symptom analysis
- Medications (e.g., beta blockers)
- Surgery (e.g., coronary bypass graft, LVAD)
- Medical devices (e.g., defibrillator, pacemaker)
