CARDIOVASCULAR SERVICES

Heart Failure Management Program

Beverly Hospital at Danvers 480 Maple Street Danvers, MA  01923 978 774-4400 978 304 8016 (TTY)

Addison Gilbert Hospital 298 Washington Street Gloucester, MA  01930 978 283-4000 978 491-6733 (TTY)

 

Our Heart Failure Management Program is provided through assertive monitoring and reinforcement of the medical regime.  Through education and activity progression, this program helps patients identify and modify risk factors.  The Heart Failure Management Program is geared toward you and your life.

 

Risk Factors that increase the chances of developing heart failure include:

 

• Heart Attack
• Angina
• High Blood Pressure
• Valvular Heart Disease
• Obesity
• Sleep Apnea
• Virus
• Alcohol/Drug Abuse

 

Who May Participate

 

The program is available to patients who have been diagnosed with heart failure. You may have been hospitalized with fluid in your lungs or swelling in your lower legs. Your physician may have told you that your heart is weakened or you may have a history of a heart attack, angina or high blood pressure.

 

Depending on your particular diagnosis, you may enter our program through a referral from your physician.

 

Professional Team

 

Our primary goal is to improve the quality of your life.  We consider your personal needs and lifestyle to ensure the road back to good health is a comfortable one.  Our interdisciplinary team of professionals includes nureses, nutritionists, behavioral health specialists, pastoral care providers, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and clinical exercise physiologists.  Together, with your physicians, we develop a program tailored to your needs and abilities.  We take pride in knowing the strengths and weaknesses, hopes and dreams of each of our clients.  We get to know you professionally through the service we provide and personally through the social activities enjoyed by patients and staff.

 

Inpatient Care

 

If you are hospitalized for heart failure, your physician will refer you to the Heart Failure Management Program. During your stay, you and your family will learn the potential causes, warning signs and symptoms, and the proper diet to follow at home. You will also be instructed in taking medications and how they work. Your activities will be gradually increased to help you feel stronger and better able to go home.

 

The Road To Better Health

 

You will undergo a comprehensive evaluation by the Outpatient Heart Failure Management Team which includes:

 

• A Nursing Assessment
• Nutrition Counseling
• Behavioral Health Counseling if needed
• Access to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

 

A nurse through phone calls will monitor you regularly. You will also come to the Heart Failure Management Clinic for regular evaluations and education by the Heart Failure Management Nurse.

 

Keeping Up The Good Work

 

Upon completion of the Heart Failure Management Program, all participants will receive a personal heart failure management plan to maintain the best health possible. In addition, we will encourage participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation as indicated.

 

Returning Home

 

Once home, you will be contacted by the Heart Failure Management Nurse to enter into the outpatient program.  The Heart Failure Management Team will be available to answer your questions or concerns.

 

Insurance Coverage

 

Major health insurance companies cover most components of heart failure management. Check with your insurance carrier to insure eligibility for reimbursement.