Heart failure prevention clinic in Charleston, SC

Heart failure occurs when the heart doesn't pump blood efficiently. If left untreated, it can be dangerous, but treatments can improve heart failure signs and symptoms and help you live longer.

Cardiac specialists at Trident Health System's Heart Failure Prevention Clinic are trained to help patients through the continuum of care needed from initial heart failure to the return of everyday activity.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (843) 847-4957.

The Heart Failure Prevention Clinic at Trident Medical Center gives patients the cardiac care they need to prevent their heart failure from worsening through comprehensive education and personalized medical care. The clinic offers multiple approaches to the management of heart failure by providing a range of services, including:

  • Comprehensive heart failure education for patients and families
  • Rapid post-hospitalization follow up
  • A collaborative approach to care with the referring physician
  • Medical therapy consistent with evidence-based practice
  • Emergent intravenous diuretic therapy

Heart failure symptoms

If you have heart failure, you may have the following signs and symptoms:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Cough
  • Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs
  • Chest pain
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Reduced ability to exercise
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sudden weight gain due to water retention

Heart failure treatment

How we treat heart failure depends on how advanced your condition is. Doctors will always recommend lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet. Your cardiologist may also add medications.

If you're experiencing advanced-stage heart failure, you may need cardiovascular surgery. Surgical procedures offered to treat heart failure include:

  • Coronary artery bypass graft
  • Heart valve repair or replacement
  • Pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator
  • Device implants

Cardiac rehab

Cardiac rehabilitation allows you to begin a safe exercise regimen while medical staff monitors your heart rhythm and rate. Our cardiac rehab program encourages healthy lifestyle changes through a treatment plan that addresses nutritional, psychological and physical issues. Our goal is to improve heart strength and help you return to your previous level of function.