Our approach to heart failure care

Heart failure doesn't just affect the heart — it affects every aspect of your life. Our heart failure program is here to help you live more fully, more actively and more comfortably, every step of the way. 

We've delivered exceptional results, providing you with access to the most cutting-edge care and gaining recognition for our quality outcomes. Our dedicated specialists together have decades of experience, and we'll work with you to personalize a treatment plan that meets your unique needs. 

We don't just treat your heart failure — we treat the whole you.

Conditions we treat

Heart failure means that your heart isn’t pumping enough blood for your body. With less efficient pumping, you may develop other conditions, such as:

• enlarged heart
• faster heartbeat
• increased blood volume

Heart failure can result from several conditions, including:

• high blood pressure
• heart attack
• coronary artery disease
• diabetes
• heart valve disease

Tests and treatments

• Electrophysiology: An electrophysiology, or EP, study, is a test to evaluate your heartbeat (heart rhythm) and find out how to fix it. In this test, the doctor inserts thin, flexible tubes called catheters into blood vessels. At the tip of these catheters are electrodes, which collect information about your heart's electrical activity. Your doctor can tell what kind of heart rhythm problems you have and where those problems are.
• Ventricular assist device: A VAD is a mechanical pump that helps increase the amount of blood that flows throughout your body. Your heart surgeon implants the VAD in your chest and connects the pump directly to your heart, at the bottom of the left ventricle. Our heart specialists often recommend VADs for people who have late-stage heart failure. A VAD can provide temporary or permanent treatment for those who aren’t candidates for a heart transplant. As a bridge to transplant, a VAD can keep your heart pumping as it should while you wait for a heart transplant. As destination therapy, a VAD can help maintain your quality of life as you continue your heart failure treatment and management plan.
• Palliative care referral: WellSpan Palliative and Supportive Care is designed to help relieve the pain and stress of seriously ill people. Our family-focused program delivers care with compassion, respect and dignity so we can improve your comfort and quality of life. Our team provides care for anyone with a chronic or advanced disease — regardless of life expectancy. The staff includes health care providers, care coordinators, social workers and a spiritual coordinator.
• Cardiac rehab referral: Cardiac rehabilitation provides the support you need to navigate the physical impact and daily challenges of living with heart failure. Our program is supervised by a WellSpan doctor, nurse and exercise physiologist and helps you maintain your health, reduce your risk of future cardiac problems and addresses your unique concerns. Our cardiac rehab program Includes dietary consultations, education and exercise therapy. 
• Sleep apnea screening: Your doctor may order a sleep study through WellSpan’s Sleep Medicine team. Because sleep apnea is associated with higher rates of heart failure, this important diagnostic tool will guide your team in providing you the best care.