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Digitalis may be prescribed to increase the muscle contraction of the heart and help prevent hospitalization.

IMPLANTED DEVICES

Text Continues Below

Some patients with ECG abnormalities may benefit from a special kind of pacemaker, called a biventricular pacemaker. This helps both ventricles contract together (CRT, cardiac resynchronization therapy). A defibrillation device such as an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) helps some patients. CRT and ICD may be combined and implanted in a single device (biventricular pacemaker-ICD).

TRANSPLANTS

Severe heart failure that doesn't respond to these therapies may require a heart transplant.
Expectations (prognosis):

Heart failure is a serious disorder. The heart's pumping problems must be kept from getting worse, as much as possible.

There is no cure, but many forms of heart failure can be controlled with medication, addressing the underlying disorders, and implanted devices with defibrillation capabilities.
Complications:
  • Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), which may be life-threatening
  • Fainting
  • Repeat hospitalizations
  • Side effects of heart failure medications
Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of congestive heart failure and your symptoms change, worsen, or do not improve with treatment.

Also call if chest pain, weakness, fainting, rapid or irregular heartbeat, sudden weight gain, swelling, or other new or unexplained symptoms develop.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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