Heart Failure

To address the unique needs of the heart failure population in Wichita Falls and surrounding areas, our mission is to offer comprehensive outpatient disease management across all heart failure stages.

By adhering to recommended guidelines, delivering patient education, ensuring close follow-up, and maintaining continuity of care, we strive to enhance the quality of life for our heart failure patients. 

To start your treatment with the Heart Failure Clinic you must obtain a referral from your healthcare provider, whether it be a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.

Heart failure is a critical health concern in the United States and the predominant reason for hospitalization among individuals aged 65 and above. It impacts millions of people in our country, with more than half a million new cases identified annually.

Though symptoms may vary based on the individual, some heart failure signs and symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue, tiredness, loss of energy
• Loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort
• Swollen ankles or legs
• Weight gain (two to three pounds over a few days)

Heart failure can also result in heart attack, so it is important to recognize the symptoms, which include:

• Chest discomfort, often feeling like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain
• Discomfort in other upper body areas such as arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Shortness of breath, possibly occurring with or before chest discomfort
• Additional symptoms like breaking into a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness

Some individuals, especially women, may experience different signs, including:

• Upper abdominal pressure or discomfort
• Lower chest discomfort
• Back pain
• Unusual fatigue
• Unusual shortness of breath
• Dizziness

United Regional caters to the dynamic needs of cardiac patients through routine monitoring, wellness visits, and additional support between scheduled physician appointments. This program is designed to provide stability and manage heart failure symptoms. Following a disease management plan, our objectives include:

• Controlling recurrent symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling, and fatigue associated with heart failure
• Enhancing your quality of life and functional status at home
• Reducing the frequency of inpatient hospitalizations through proactive management
• Minimizing the duration of hospital stays if heart failure-related hospitalization is necessary

Educating you and your family on heart failure, treatments, medications, and lifestyle changes to empower your active involvement in healthcare decisions.