​​​​​Congestive Heart Failure Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Care

The heart failure team at The Christ Hospital Health Network offers advanced, lifesaving, compassionate care to our patients. We are the only hospital with an entire unit and team of specialists specifically dedicated to heart failure treatment.

We are devoted to improving the quality and length of life for our heart failure patients. 

See how the Advanced Heart Failure Program at The Christ Hospital Health Network improves lives.

Carl H. & Edyth Lindner Heart Failure Treatment Center 

Our Carl H. & Edyth Lindner Heart Failure Treatment Center is the only dedicated heart failure program in the region. Our heart failure program has received Advanced Heart Failure Certification from The Joint Commission.

We have consistently earned The American Heart Association's Get with the Guidelines Gold Achievement Award in recognition of our progressive heart failure care and focus on patient education and support. 

About heart failure

Heart failure is a condition that develops when the heart's muscle becomes weakened and loses its ability to pump enough blood to supply the body's needs. The condition affects more than five million Americans and is one of the fastest-growing heart issues.

There are two main types of heart failure:

  • Systolic heart failure—The heart cannot pump out blood well.

  • Diastolic heart failure—The heart is stiff and cannot fill with blood well. 

Heart failure risk factors

The following conditions may lead to heart failure:

  • Abnormal heart rhythm

  • Abnormal heart valves

  • Congenital heart disease

  • Coronary artery disease

  • Diabetes

  • Heart muscle disease (such as dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)

  • Heart muscle inflammation (myocarditis)

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Obesity

  • Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

  • Previous heart attack

  • Severe anemia

  • Severe lung disease

  • Sleep apnea 

Heart failure symptoms

Symptoms of heart failure include:

  • Confusion

  • Chronic coughing or wheezing

  • Edema, or buildup of fluid in the tissues

  • Fatigue

  • High heart rate

  • Lightheadedness

  • Little to no appetite

  • Nausea

  • Shortness of breath

Talk to your doctor if you experience more than one of the symptoms. 

Heart failure resources

Our focus on patient education provides resources to help you manage your condition and improve quality of life. We work together to ensure you have the necessary tools and information to stay healthy at home. We offer several resources to heart failure patients, including:

  • Heart Failure Handbook — This handbook contains information on living well with heart failure.

  • Heart Link — This valuable program connects you to specially trained nurses after discharge to review diet, exercise, medication and other lifestyle modifications to help you transition from the hospital to home.

  • Heart Works — This monthly education and support group provides you and your family with meaningful information about understanding and managing heart failure.

  • Printable HF Zones & Weight Log  symptom management tool and daily weight tracker.

Heart failure care close to home

Advanced heart and vascular care is now more accessible than ever. Learn more about our heart failure care team.

For additional information or schedule an appointment, please contact The Advanced Heart Failure Program at 513-206-1180.

Telemedicine — After a heart failure-related hospital stay, we offer qualifying patients monitoring and live audio/visual interaction with heart experts at The Christ Hospital, right from the comfort of your home or care facility room.

Why choose The Christ Hospital Health Network

If you are diagnosed with heart failure, you'll find the care and support you need at The Christ Hospital Health Network, Greater Cincinnati's leader in cardiovascular care. We are the only hospital in the region honored with the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline® Bronze Referring Quality Achievement Award for providing timely care and successful heart attack outcomes. Additional reasons to choose The Christ Hospital Health Network include: 

  • Top 50 Heart Hospital. The Christ Hospital has been named one of America's 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery by HealthGrades and one of the World's Best Hospitals for Cardiology by Newsweek.

  • Specialized expertise.  We offer the most extensive expertise across the spectrum of heart and vascular care. Our doctors are known leaders in cardiovascular care and are focused by specific conditions. 

  • Treatment options.  Our patients benefit from a wider range of personalized treatment options than at many other hospitals. We take a progressive approach to heart failure management.

  • Clinical research.  Our doctors have developed many new techniques in cardiovascular medicine over the past 20 years. Patients have access to treatments not found at many other hospitals.

  • Heart and vascular support groups.  For patients with heart-related conditions, we offer education and support. We encourage you share your experiences to learn how to live your healthiest life.