Heart failure is the leading cause of heart-related hospital admissions and readmissions in West Virginia and across the region. At the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, we specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing all stages of heart failure – from early intervention to advanced therapies.

Our board-certified, fellowship-trained cardiologists and multidisciplinary team provide the most comprehensive heart failure care in the state. As West Virginia’s first and only dedicated heart failure team, we unite cardiologists, nurses, pharmacists, exercise physiologists, social workers, and dietitians to deliver personalized, whole-patient care.

Our approach focuses on:

• Helping patients live longer with improved quality of life
• Reducing emergency room visits and hospital readmissions
• Relieving heart failure symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and shortness of breath
• Slowing the progression of heart disease with advanced therapies and preventive care

Every patient’s condition is unique. That’s why our specialists create a tailored treatment plan based on the type, cause, and severity of heart failure. Our treatments may include:

• Advanced cardiac imaging and diagnostic testing
• Medication management and cutting-edge therapies
• Lifestyle and nutrition support
• Coordinated care with your primary physician and specialists

The Center for Advanced Heart Failure and Mechanical Cardiology Support at WVU Heart and Vascular Institute is the only program of its kind in West Virginia and the surrounding region. Our highly specialized team provides advanced therapies for patients living with severe or end-stage heart failure, helping them manage symptoms and maintain a better quality of life.

One of our key services is intravenous (IV) inotropic therapy for carefully selected stable outpatients. This therapy supports heart function, improves physical activity, eases shortness of breath, and lowers the risk of frequent hospital admissions. By keeping patients healthier at home, we also play a vital role in reducing emergency room visits and overall healthcare costs across the state.

Inotropic therapy is especially effective for patients who:

• Have reached the maximum dose of standard heart failure medications without improvement
• Are awaiting a heart transplant or advanced mechanical support
• Have been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)

By enhancing how the heart pumps blood, advanced therapies like inotropic support allow patients to feel stronger, breathe easier, and stay more active. Our team works closely with each patient to design a care plan that addresses their individual needs while providing ongoing monitoring and support.

At WVU Medicine, we are committed to offering life-saving heart failure treatments close to home, so patients across West Virginia and the region don’t have to travel far for expert cardiology care.