Heart Failure

Heart failure is a long-term condition that can occur if your heart is weak, damaged or can’t fill with blood as it should. Many conditions can cause heart failure, including:

• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart rhythm problems
• Heart valve disease

Heart Failure Evaluations at Cleveland Clinic London

When you decide to pursue heart failure treatment at Cleveland Clinic London, we’ll quickly book you for an initial evaluation. You’ll meet with one of our expert cardiologists to go over your symptoms and health history. We’ll also take the time to talk to you about any concerns you may have and answer all of your questions.

Testing for heart failure

Testing helps us gain a clear understanding of your condition and create a plan for your care. Your cardiologist will usually order advanced heart imaging and other tests to help confirm your diagnosis. Tests may include:

• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Heart MRI
• Holter monitor
• Six-minute walking test
• Cardiac blood tests

We may also use minimally invasive diagnostic tests, such as cardiac catheterisation or a heart biopsy, to gather more information about how well your heart works.

Your treatment plan focusses on your specific diagnosis and needs. Your care team will carefully review their recommendations with you and explain what comes next.

Heart failure medications

For many people, heart failure medications can help manage symptoms, such as lowering blood pressure. Heart failure medications you may take include:

• Beta-blockers
• ACE inhibitors
• MRA receptor antagonists (aldosterone antagonists)
• SGLT2 reception inhibitors

While you’re on medication, you will have frequent follow-up appointments and testing. This allows us to closely monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and how well your kidneys work.

Implantable devices and surgery

Sometimes, we may recommend other advanced treatments or support alongside your medication plan, including:

• Biventricular pacemaker and cardiac resynchronisation therapy
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
• Ventricular assist devices
• EMCO

If you have coronary artery or heart valve disease, you may need to have open or minimally invasive surgery. Some types of heart failure may require a heart transplant. We work closely with two leading (NHS) transplant centres to provide seamless care throughout your treatment.

Cardiac rehabilitation and lifestyle changes

Your care team may suggest you take part in a cardiac rehabilitation programme that focusses on education, exercise and healthy lifestyle modifications. This can help improve your heart health and prevent future complications.

Paying for Heart Failure Treatment at Cleveland Clinic London

Whether you need to know the cost of a cardiac MRI scan or other heart-related tests and treatments, we’re here to help. Our team will make sure you receive a detailed estimate that offers the most transparent pricing possible for every step of your treatment plan. We offer self-pay and private medical insurance options. If you want to pay over time, our partner Chrysalis Finance will help you find the best instalment plan.

What’s Next

When you need care for heart failure, you need it quickly from experts who keep you at the centre of it all. At Cleveland Clinic London, we bring together expertise and innovation with compassion for each person we meet. From managing medications to surgical options, our consultants are here to ensure you get the best possible care.