Congestive heart failure (CHF) means the heart isn’t pumping enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This weakened pump can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, legs or abdomen. It is a serious but common condition that affects more than 6 million people in the U.S.
Arkansas Heart’s Heart Failure program features an outpatient clinic providing intensive individualized management of heart failure patients. Through close individualized medical management and empowering patients and family with the knowledge to make necessary lifestyle changes, the Heart Failure Clinic works to minimize the acute episodes associated with CHF and improve overall quality of life for every patient.
Heart Failure Treatments at Arkansas Heart Hospital
Heart failure can be managed with a personalized plan that may include:
- Medications to improve heart function and reduce strain
- Lifestyle coaching on sodium restriction, nutrition, activity, and stress management
- Device therapy such as pacemakers, defibrillators or CardioMEMS™ monitoring
- Ongoing management with our provders with rapid treatment adjustments to help prevent hospitalizations
CardioMEMs:
A “fluid sensor” that helps to manage heart failure from the patient’s home before symptoms arise. This allows for more timely management and fewer hospitalizations for heart failure exacerbations (fluid overload). Did you know 1 in 4 heart failure patients will readmit to the hospital within 30 days of discharge? At Arkansas Heart Hospital, our patients with CardioMEMS saw an 80% reduction in heart failure hospitalizations in 2025 . Arkansas Heart Hospital was the first to implant CardioMEMs in Arkansas and currently has a robust CardioMEMs program.
How is Heart Failure Diagnosed?
We use advanced testing to determine the type and severity of heart failure including physical exam and lab work, echocardiogram and EKG, stress testing and cardiac CT, blood tests and cardiac catheterization when needed.
Heart Failure Symptoms
Warning signs include:
- Shortness of breath (especially lying down)
- Swollen feet, ankles, or legs
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue, nausea, or loss of appetite
- Persistent cough or wheezing
- Rapid weight gain (3 lbs in a day or 5 lbs in a week)
Women may experience subtler symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain or unexplained weight gain that can be misdiagnosed
Heart Failure Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk if you have:
- Coronary artery disease or prior heart attack
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity
- Valvular heart disease
- Lifestyle factors like smoking, high-sodium diet, inactivity or excessive alcohol use
Resources:
Providers:
Contact Us:
Phone: 501-219-7900
Fax: 501-219-7909