Heart Function Clinic

Provides care to patients with a diagnosis of heart failure.

Heart Function Clinic at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute

Mission Statement: Our clinic provides specialized multidisciplinary outpatient care for patients with heart failure. While there is no cure for heart failure, with proper management with medications, lifestyle changes and specialized treatments, patients with heart failure can live healthier, more comfortable lives. We are also involved with major research and quality improvement initiatives.

Our Team: Our multidisciplinary team consists of physicians, nurse practitioner, nurses, dieticians, and pharmacists, who have advanced training in heart failure. We also consider you and your support network to be valuable members of our team, and base your care and treatment recommendations on evidence based guidelines and your individual needs.

Your Routine Care at the Heart Function Clinic: We will perform a complete clinical assessment and will review your current medications. We will teach you about heart failure, how to recognize the signs and symptoms, as well as strategies to improve your symptoms, and cope with the condition. This can often be done through medications, lifestyle changes, cardiac rehabilitation, as well as close follow-up in our clinic. Your treatments may include further tests, medications adjustments, lifestyle changes, as well as specialized approaches for heart failure.

Your Specialized Care at the Heart Function Clinic: As we progress with your care for heart failure, we will also evaluate you for possible specialized treatment opportunities. These decisions are guided by several factors, including your heart function and symptoms. This may include a referral for the following:

1. Device Therapy such as Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) and Cardio-Resynchronization Therapy (CRT).
2. Advanced Heart Failure Therapies such as left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and Heart Transplant.
3. Genetic Counselling and Screening for patients with Cardiomyopathies.
4. Supportive Care for patients who are progressing to the end-stage of their heart failure will be provided with additional supportive care to improve their quality of life.
5. Social Worker Consultation if you or your family member require information regarding community support programs, or further assistance with coping mechanisms.