Early diagnosis can change the course of the disease
If you have symptoms consistent with heart failure, have already been diagnosed or would like a second opinion on your treatment, our team can help you.
What is heart failure?
Heart failure is a condition that occurs when the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively or has difficulty filling properly between each heartbeat. As a result, organs and tissues receive less oxygen and nutrients than they need, and symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue or fluid retention may develop.
Heart failure is not a single disease, but rather the final pathway of different cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), high blood pressure, heart valve diseases, cardiomyopathies or certain arrhythmias.
Heart failure is currently one of the leading causes of hospital admission among older adults and a major health problem. However, advances in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure have significantly improved its prognosis. Early diagnosis, prompt optimisation of treatment and specialised follow-up can help control the condition more effectively, reduce episodes of decompensation and improve both quality of life and life expectancy.
At the Heart Failure Unit at barnaclínic+, we assess each case individually to identify the underlying cause of the condition, evaluate associated health problems and design a fully personalised treatment strategy. This is because every patient has different characteristics, needs and disease progression.
How can we help you?
Personalised diagnosis
Every patient with heart failure has different characteristics and needs. We therefore carry out a comprehensive assessment to identify the cause of the condition and design a fully personalised diagnostic and treatment plan.
Individualised treatment
We select the most appropriate treatment strategy according to the type of heart failure, clinical condition and progression of each patient, with the aim of improving their prognosis and quality of life.
Specialist follow-up
We support patients throughout the course of heart failure, regularly reviewing their clinical condition and adapting treatment when necessary to prevent episodes of decompensation and reduce the risk of hospitalisation.
What services can we help you with?
We provide you with all the resources required for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of heart failure, working in close coordination with the different areas of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery at barnaclínic+.
High-precision diagnosis
We carry out a comprehensive assessment using the most advanced tests to confirm the diagnosis, identify the cause of the disease and assess the condition of the heart.
Our diagnostic techniques include:
- Doppler echocardiography and advanced echocardiography.
- Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Cardiac CT scan.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter ECG monitoring.
- Exercise stress testing and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).
- Cardiac blood tests and biomarkers (BNP and NT-proBNP).
- Cardiac catheterisation and coronary angiography when indicated.
Specialist medical treatment
We design a personalised heart failure treatment plan based on the recommendations of leading international clinical guidelines, with early optimisation of treatments proven to improve the prognosis of heart failure.
In addition to pharmacological treatment, we take a comprehensive approach to risk factors and associated conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and kidney disease, which are essential to controlling the progression of the disease.
Therapeutic education is also an integral part of our care model. We help patients recognise warning signs, better understand their treatment and adopt healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of decompensation and hospitalisation.
Advanced procedures and therapies
When required, our patients have access to interventional cardiology procedures, cardiac surgery and advanced therapies, always assessed individually by a multidisciplinary team.
These include treatment of heart valve disease, implantation of cardiac devices and other highly complex techniques for patients with advanced heart failure.
Specialist second opinion
If you have already been diagnosed with heart failure or would like to review your treatment, explore new therapeutic options or confirm a complex treatment recommendation, our specialists can provide a second opinion backed by the experience of one of the leading heart failure referral units.
Specialist care can make a difference in the progression of heart failure.
If you are looking for an initial assessment, would like a second opinion or want to learn about the most appropriate treatment options for your condition, our team can help you.
Why choose the Heart Failure Unit at barnaclínic+?
Cardiorenal Unit
Heart failure and kidney disease are closely related and often progress together.
For this reason, we have a Cardiorenal Unit, where cardiologists and nephrologists work together to preserve heart and kidney function, optimise treatment and provide comprehensive care, even for the most complex patients.
Access to advanced therapies and clinical research
Our patients have access to the most innovative treatments available for heart failure, including interventional procedures, cardiac devices, advanced therapies and, when indicated, the opportunity to participate in clinical trials.
As part of Hospital Clínic Barcelona, our Unit actively participates in national and international research projects, contributing to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that continue to improve the treatment of this condition.
Specialists dedicated exclusively to heart failure
Our Unit is made up of cardiologists from Hospital Clínic Barcelona specifically dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with heart failure.
This expertise enables us to manage both newly diagnosed cases and the most complex forms of the condition, providing an individualised assessment and the most appropriate treatment options for each patient.
Personalised medicine from the very beginning
No two patients are the same. We therefore assess each case comprehensively to identify the cause of heart failure, evaluate associated conditions and tailor treatment to each person's clinical situation and disease progression.
Our aim is not simply to treat the condition, but to provide the treatment that can offer the greatest benefit at each stage of its progression.
Follow-up that improves quality of life
Heart failure requires ongoing monitoring. We therefore support patients throughout the course of the disease through regular check-ups, therapeutic education and continuous treatment adjustments to prevent decompensation and maintain the best possible quality of life.
Our aim is to ensure that every patient always receives the most appropriate treatment at each stage of the disease.
Frequently asked questions about heart failure
What is heart failure?
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs or has difficulty filling properly between each heartbeat. This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue or fluid retention. Early diagnosis and personalised treatment can help control the condition, reduce the risk of hospitalisation and improve quality of life.
What are the early symptoms of heart failure?
The early symptoms of heart failure usually develop gradually and include shortness of breath when walking or climbing stairs, fatigue, reduced physical capacity, swelling of the legs or ankles, rapid weight gain due to fluid retention and, in some cases, coughing at night or palpitations. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a cardiologist specialising in heart failure.
What specialist treats heart failure?
The specialist responsible for the diagnosis and treatment is a cardiologist, preferably working within a Heart Failure Unit, where professionals with specific expertise in this condition have access to diagnostic techniques, pharmacological treatments and advanced therapies.
When should I visit a Heart Failure Unit?
It is advisable to visit a specialist Unit following a recent diagnosis, if you develop symptoms consistent with heart failure, experience repeated hospital admissions due to decompensation or would like a second opinion to explore other treatment options.
How is heart failure diagnosed?
Diagnosis combines clinical assessment with tests such as echocardiography, electrocardiography, blood tests with biomarkers (BNP or NT-proBNP), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cardiac CT or exercise stress testing, among others. The aim is to confirm the diagnosis, identify the cause of the condition and determine the most appropriate heart failure treatment.
Can heart failure be cured?
It depends on the underlying cause. Some forms can improve considerably when the condition responsible for heart failure is treated, while others require ongoing follow-up. In all cases, current treatments can help control symptoms, slow the progression of the disease and improve prognosis.
Does heart failure always get worse over time?
Not necessarily. Although heart failure is a chronic condition, early diagnosis, prompt optimisation of treatment and specialist follow-up can help stabilise its progression and reduce the risk of further episodes of decompensation.
What treatments are available for heart failure?
Treatment depends on the type of heart failure and its underlying cause. It may include lifestyle changes, pharmacological treatment, management of associated conditions, cardiac devices, interventional procedures, cardiac surgery or advanced therapies in more complex cases.
What is heart failure with preserved ejection fraction?
It is a type of heart failure in which the heart maintains an apparently normal ability to contract but has difficulty relaxing and filling properly. It is common in people with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or kidney disease and requires specific treatment.
Can obesity cause heart failure?
Yes. Obesity and heart failure are closely linked. Obesity is a major cardiovascular risk factor and contributes to the development and progression of heart failure. Treating obesity is part of the comprehensive management of many patients and can help improve the course of the condition.
Can I exercise if I have heart failure?
In most cases, yes, provided that exercise is adapted to each patient's clinical condition and recommended by their medical team. Supervised exercise can improve functional capacity, reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
What lifestyle habits can help manage heart failure?
Following the prescribed treatment, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting salt intake when indicated, engaging in appropriate physical activity and attending regular check-ups are essential measures for managing the condition.
When should I seek a second opinion?
Seeking a second opinion may be advisable when symptoms do not improve with treatment, new complications arise, an intervention or complex treatment is being considered, or you simply want to confirm the best treatment strategy for your particular case.
What are the benefits of a specialist Heart Failure Unit?
A specialist Unit brings together cardiologists with specific expertise in heart failure and works in coordination with other specialties to provide an accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment and ongoing follow-up. This multidisciplinary approach makes it possible to optimise treatment from the early stages and improve patients' prognosis.
What makes the barnaclínic+ Heart Failure Unit different?
The Unit is made up of specialists from Hospital Clínic Barcelona who are exclusively dedicated to heart failure. It provides care based on personalised medicine, access to advanced diagnostic techniques, early treatment optimisation, a Cardiorenal Unit, advanced therapies, clinical research and specialist follow-up throughout the course of the disease.
How can I book an appointment with a heart failure specialist in Barcelona?
You can request an initial appointment with the Heart Failure Unit at barnaclínic+ through our online form or Patient Services. Our team will assess your case and refer you to the most appropriate specialist according to your needs.
Do you need a specialist assessment?
Whether you have recently been diagnosed, are seeking a second opinion or need treatment for complex heart failure, our team can help you find the best strategy for your individual case.
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