Heart failure is currently the leading cause of emergency hospital admissions in the Western world. This trend reflects both the ageing of the population, but also major therapeutic advances in cardiology, which have significantly prolonged patient survival
Heart failure is now regarded as the common clinical manifestation of various heart conditions, whether or not associated with systemic disorders such as hypertension, kidney failure, diabetes, and obesity
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Expertise
At CHU Saint-Pierre, we offer a multimodal approach to the management of heart failure, drawing on our department’s expertise across several areas of cardiology, as well as our network of external collaborators. This applies both to diagnosis – including echocardiography, cardiac MRI, genetic testing and coronary angiography – and to treatment.
Medical therapy remains the cornerstone of heart failure management; however, additional treatments may be required in specific cases. These include coronary stenting, bypass surgery, percutaneous ablation of arrhythmias, pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, surgical and percutaneous treatment of valvular disease, cardiac rehabilitation, heart transplantation or mechanical circulatory support, etc.
Specialised Care and Support
The numerous therapeutic advances of the past decade have revolutionised the clinical course of heart failure, enabling many patients to achieve improved life expectancy and quality of life. Nevertheless, heart failure remains a chronic condition that requires regular and specialised follow-up. For this reason, at CHU Saint-Pierre, patients are monitored in a dedicated Heart Failure Clinic, with consultations provided by three physicians specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure.
A specialist nurse complements the team, ensuring greater availability and closer patient monitoring. She plays a key role in supporting patients, helping them to better understand their condition and treatment, thereby promoting autonomy and well-being. She also facilitates close collaboration with general practitioners via a dedicated heart failure hotline.
