Team approach game-changer for prevention and management of heart failure

Heart failure is a serious condition that impacts more than 600,000 Canadians. 

One in five Canadians will be diagnosed with the condition in their lifetime, and as a result, will have numerous symptoms, such as extreme fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, swelling and a reduced ability to exercise. Half of all heart failure patients will die within five years of their diagnosis. 

“It accounts for a huge and increasing burden of cost, disability and death,” says Dr. Jonathan Howlett, a physician-researcher focused on heart failure. 

Libin Cardiovascular Institute researchers are working to prevent heart failure and better manage this condition. 

Heart Failure Program

As director of the multidisciplinary heart failure clinics at both Foothills Medical Centre and South Health Campus, Howlett leads an eight-person heart failure team with an around the clock in-patient service as well as an out-patient service. 

The team was established 12 years ago and has set a standard for prevention of heart failure and management for patients with the condition. 

In addition to offering emergent care, the Libin’s heart failure program follows about 1,500 patients, including 200 heart transplant patients. In the last six years, the team has surgically implanted 116 lifesaving LVAD devices, which take over the heart’s job until heart transplant patients can receive a new organ.

“When people have advanced heart disease, the Libin is considered a go-to service,” says Howlett.

Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a rare disease caused by the harmful buildup of abnormal proteins in different organs and tissues, including the heart. It can lead to heart failure.  

Dr. Nowell Fine, MD, leads the Calgary Amyloid Program. His goal is to improve health for patients through ongoing research and care at Calgary’s Cardiac Amyloidosis Clinic. Located at the South Health Campus, this clinic provides assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for amyloidosis patients with heart problems. 

The program also hosts an annual conference, Calgary Amyloid Day, that brings together experts from across North America to share advances in diagnostic approaches and treatment. 

The Future of Heart Failure

The rate of heart failure is increasing by about one per cent annually. It affects all other major organs of the body and can present in many ways. The good news is that researchers and doctors continue to make advancements to improve care.  

“Like in cancer, we have adjusted our approach to heart failure,” says Howlett.

According to Howlett, treatment options were once extremely limited and two-year survival rates were less than 50 per cent. Today, the outlook for heart failure patients is much better thanks to new medications, devices, and technology, along with better monitoring and a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment.  

“We have increased survival by up to 90 per cent,” says Howlett. 

The future is bright, but more heart failure research is needed, Howlett adds.  

“Heart disease is not going away,” he says. “It is only going to increase in its importance. We must keep working very hard to better understand and treat this condition. There's a lot left to do.”

Read more about the Libin Cardiovascular Institute's Top 20 Achievements of the last 20 years here.