Certain procedures may help in some cases of heart failure to treat health problems affecting your heart. These procedures are not the best options for all patients. If any of them can help you, your doctor will give you more details.

Treating artery and valve problems

If you have coronary artery disease or valve disease, procedures may be needed to improve blood flow and help the heart pump better.

• Angioplasty and stenting expand narrowed arteries. These procedures are performed during cardiac catheterization.
• Bypass surgery allows blood to flow through a clogged artery.
• Valve surgery repairs or replaces faulty valves so blood can flow properly.

Treating rhythm problems

Certain devices may be attached to the heart to regulate a slow or abnormal heart rhythm. This helps take strain off the heart.

• A pacemaker is a small electronic device that treats a slow heartbeat. Some pacemakers stimulate only one side of the heart. Others (called biventricular pacemakers) stimulate both sides of the heart.
• An ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) is a device that treats fast heart rhythms when they become life-threatening.

To learn more about cardiac services at Western Baptist Hospital, including the new Baptist Heart Center, phone Baptist Health Line at (270) 575-2918. If you are experiencing chest pain, speak to one of our cardiac nurses at the Chest Pain Hotline, 1-800-575-1911.

For a schedule of upcoming Understanding Heart Failure classes, click here.