Heart Failure Care

UC San Diego Health provides comprehensive, compassionate care for patients with every stage of heart failure, whether it's acute or chronic.

Our team works together to make sure you have access to the latest diagnostic tools, treatment options and even research studies exploring new therapies. For people with severe or worsening heart failure, our advanced heart failure specialists provide specialized evaluation and treatment.

Led by Drs. Eric Adler and Marcus Anthony Urey, our multidisciplinary team includes cardiac imaging specialists, electrophysiologists, interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons. We also have dedicated clinics and a pharmacist focused on caring for patients with heart failure.

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, happens when your heart doesn't pump as much blood as your body needs. The term "failure" doesn't mean that the heart has stopped — only that it's not pumping blood as effectively as it should.

Heart failure is classified into stages A through D based on risk, symptoms and how the condition affects the heart. Advanced heart failure generally refers to Stage D or end-stage heart failure, when symptoms persist or worsen despite standard treatment.

Heart Failure Treatment Options

While there is no cure for heart failure caused by damaged heart muscle, there are many treatments to help you manage symptoms and live well.

Your care team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to fit your age, medical history, the cause, type and stage of your heart failure, and your preferences. Your treatment options may include:

• Medications
• Cardiac resynchronization (pacemakers and defibrillators)
• Ablation therapy for arrhythmias
• Alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Coronary artery bypass grafting
• Heart valve replacement or repair
• Ventricular assist devices (VADs)
• Heart transplant

Advanced Heart Failure Treatment

If you have severe or worsening heart failure despite standard treatment, you may benefit from specialized advanced heart failure care. UC San Diego Health offers the full spectrum of advanced treatments, including:

• Mechanical circulatory support (ECMO and LVAD)
• Heart transplant evaluation
• Clinical trials and emerging therapies

Explore Advanced Heart Failure Treatment

ECMO for Advanced Heart and Lung Support

ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) involves the use of life-support technology that can temporarily replace the function of the heart and/or lungs. It is typically used if you have severe heart or lung disease and need extra support while you recover or wait for a transplant.

Our expertise includes:

• ECMO support followed by advanced respiratory and cardiovascular therapies, including VAD, heart transplant and lung transplant
• A multidisciplinary team of specialists in emergency medicine, cardiovascular medicine and pulmonary disease, working closely with nurses and respiratory therapists
• Membership in the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization, which means you receive ECMO care that meets high international standards

Learn More About ECMO