Your Healthcare Team: Doctors Who Diagnose and Treat Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome with signs and symptoms caused by the heart not functioning properly. HF can affect the length and quality of a person’s life. It is a chronic condition that relies on management and treatment in order to control the symptoms and progression of the disease. ¹

People with heart failure typically have a multidisciplinary healthcare team that includes doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, dietitians, mental health professionals, and others. This is because other conditions that may be present can influence the cause and/or treatment of heart failure.^2,3

Treatment for heart failure is generally directed toward treating the symptoms and preventing the progression of the condition to maintain quality of life and reduce mortality. A team of medical and healthcare experts can combine efforts to offer the best care for people with heart failure patients. You may encounter some of the professionals below while being treated for heart failure.^2-4

Cardiologist

A cardiologist is a doctor who has special training in the treatment and prevention of diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Most cardiologists are board-certified. They have completed a minimum of 10 years of clinical and educational training and have passed a rigorous set of exams given by the American Board of Internal Medicine.^2,5

A smaller group of cardiologists can go on to become FACC, a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. This group of doctors is elected by their peers to the American College of Cardiology based on excellence and achievements in cardiovascular medicine.^2,5

Your internist will generally refer you to a cardiologist if they have concerns about your cardiac health. Cardiologists treat people with all kinds of heart conditions, including heart failure, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease.^4,5

When you visit with a cardiologist, they will take a complete medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will likely check your blood pressure, height, and weight; listen to your heart and lungs; and ask about any symptoms you are experiencing. Additional tests such as an ECG, X-ray, or blood test are often used to provide more diagnostic information.⁵

Primary care provider

Internists or general practitioners (GPs) are typically in charge of your overall medical care. Often the one who makes the initial diagnosis of heart failure, they work with your cardiologist on your treatment plan. Sometimes called gatekeepers, your primary care provider typically makes referrals to specialists based on your healthcare needs.^3,6

Nurses

Nurses play an important role in the care of people with heart failure. There are multiple levels of training in nursing, just as for doctors. People with heart failure may encounter a registered nurse (RN) or nurse practitioner (NP). Either of these may have specialized training in heart failure, including in the education, care, and counseling of those with heart failure.^3,4,6

Nurses can help you understand and follow your individualized plan including prescription medications, diet, and exercise. They can perform tests, monitor and evaluate your symptoms, and make recommendations if things get worse.^3,6

Physical and occupational therapy

Physical and occupational therapists can help you get back on your feet if you have been deconditioned, hospitalized, or inactive for a period of time. They work with you to build back your strength and teach you the proper, most energy-efficient ways to carry out the activities of your daily life. This may include things like how to get in and out of a chair, bed, or shower.⁶

Dietitian

Dietitians provide advice and counseling on what you should eat if you have heart failure. They can create a tailored plan, taking into account what you like to eat and any food restrictions. They also offer guidance on ways to improve compliance with nutrition recommendations and dietary limitations.^3,6

Dietitians also educate you on managing sodium and fluid intake, how to read ingredient labels, and understanding the importance of maintaining healthy food choices and healthy body weight.^1,3,6

Mental health professionals

Psychologists and social workers can help people with heart failure cope with their feelings, limitations, and changes experienced in their daily life. They know how to identify symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression in people with heart failure. Most offer treatment to help people and their families cope with a heart failure diagnosis or the changes they may experience as the condition advances.⁶

Pharmacist

Pharmacists are the experts in medications. They evaluate drug interactions and the risk of developing adverse events when new drugs are prescribed. They can help provide information to doctors as they select an appropriate drug regimen while taking into consideration all medications, vitamins, and supplements you may already be taking.³ Pharmacists can also provide instructions on how to safely take your medicines.^3,4,6

The team as a whole

Open communication can help you understand new information and guide your decision-making process. Your healthcare team can help you manage your condition and maintain the best possible quality of life.²