Unique support in the Congestive Heart Failure Clinics

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE CLINIC Unique support for patient care

Baptist Health is the only health system in the region offering outpatient Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Clinics.

The Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Clinics at Baptist Health provide an outpatient treatment program for patients with a CHF diagnosis. This includes patients with coronary artery disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, damaged heart valves or heart muscle, congenital heart defects, arrhythmia and more. Physicians can refer patients directly to the CHF Clinic for support in managing their quality of life issues, which can include the inability to sleep, shortness of breath and related respiratory problems. Patients receive a physical assessment at each visit. “Each person is different with a unique story and individual needs,” said Russell Stapleton, MD, cardiologist and director of the CHF Clinics. “At the CHF Clinic, our skilled team reviews the patients’ exercise ability, emotional status, diet and medication with the goal of achieving an optimum and individualized plan for each person.” Patients are also taught how to recognize any escalating symptoms of CHF, so action can be taken early. “The clinic helps our patients and their caregivers participate in improving their health and maintaining as healthy a life as possible,” said Andre Dias, MD, cardiologist with Baptist Heart Specialists. “Educating patients is integral to their success and helping to minimize the risk for future cardiac events.”

FEWER READMISSIONS*

11.3%

BAPTIST HEALTH

21.9%

NATIONAL AVERAGE

Percentage of patients readmitted between January – February 2021. Back on track

Wayne Poole, 69, credits the CHF Clinic for helping him turn his life around following surgery to put five stents in his heart. A smoker for 61 years, Poole said that in the year of his life prior to surgery, he couldn’t walk from the den to his bedroom without losing his breath, and he couldn’t do much more than “sit around and do nothing.” After surgery, he was referred to the CHF Clinic, where the team was able to help him mentally and physically recover. “Initially you’re scared to think about recovery. You wonder if it’s worth it – this person wants you to

At the Congestive Heart Failure Clinic, coordinators like Jessica Saliba, APRN, work together with patients and their caregivers to design an individualized health plan.

run on a treadmill, ride a bike, lift weights? After a while, you see it’s definitely worth it!” “Mentally, you see that the better your body functions, the less stress you have,” he said. “Physically, if I knew I’d feel as good as I do now, I’d never have smoked a cigarette!” The CHF Clinic helped Poole drop his waist size, adjust his diet to eat less sodium and more healthy food, quit smoking and drinking, and start an exercise routine he enjoys. “I got up to 25 minutes on the treadmill and now I look forward to walking 30 minutes every morning,” he said. Jacksonville resident Roger Bowes, 59, came to the CHF Clinic following a history of heart issues and repairs treated at other hospitals. His last surgery to implant a defibrillator took place at Baptist Health, where he felt a difference in the treatment he received. “Baptist doctors care. They weren’t just trying to get me in and out quickly,” he said. “They have helped me get relief from a lot of my issues. I’m walking and talking, and I can go out and live life. I don’t have to stay home by some machine.” Prior to surgery, his heart was operating at only 15 – 25% capacity. Following surgery and physical therapy at the CHF Clinic, he’s back on track to a better life. “I don’t have to worry anymore,” he said.

Serving patients where they live

Baptist Health has CHF Clinics in multiple locations: • Baptist Medical Center Beaches • Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville • Baptist Medical Center Nassau • Baptist Medical Center South • Baptist North Medical Campus