Heart Failure

Although the death rate from coronary artery disease and other heart conditions has been declining, the number of deaths from heart failure — also called congestive heart failure — is rising and is expected to balloon as the population ages.

Heart failure doesn't mean that the heart has failed or stopped. People often live healthy lives by controlling this condition, which refers to one or more chambers of the heart "failing" to keep up with the volume of blood flowing through them. Many advances in the last few decades — some pioneered here at UCSF Medical Center — have given us new tools for treating some of the underlying heart problems that can cause heart failure.

In our Heart Failure Program, between 250 and 300 patients are evaluated and treated annually — representing over 1,500 patient visits a year. Our patients are treated with state-of-the-art conventional as well as experimental drug and device therapies. If those therapies aren't successful, a heart transplant may be an option. We are recognized internationally for diagnosing and treating heart failure.

Request an appointment online.

For information or to make an appointment, please call:
Heart Failure Clinic (415) 353-2873

See books recommended by the UCSF Heart and Vascular Center.

Watch our video — UCTV Video, Real Player
The Failing Heart: New Treatments Reduce the Need for Heart Transplants

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Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated October 1, 2008