Heart Failure

If this is an emergency, call 911.

Older white male with balding grey hair and a beard stands outdoors as the evening sun drops below nearby trees
Older white male with balding grey hair and a beard stands outdoors as the evening sun drops below nearby trees

Care that doesn’t miss a beat

More than six million Americans live with some form of heart failure. These conditions prevent the heart from pumping blood properly, which can damage and weaken it over time.

Heart failure is a lifelong condition. But the right treatment and healthy habits can help relieve symptoms and prevent life-threatening emergencies. Our team of heart failure specialists, cardiologists, and other experts use a variety of advanced treatments to help patients live healthier lives.

Why Corewell Health

Advanced treatments

We provide a range of therapies, including heart transplants, left ventricular assist devices, minimally invasive surgeries, and more.

Coordinated care

Heart failure specialists work hand in hand with cardiologists, dietitians, nurses, and primary care doctors to provide the best all-around care.

Emergency response

Our cardiogenic shock team provides rapid, lifesaving treatment for heart failure emergencies. Patients are routinely flown to Corewell Health for emergency care.

Shorter hospitalizations

The average hospital stay for our heart failure patients is less than four days — down from seven just a few years ago.

National recognition

Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals - Butterworth Hospital received the highest marks from the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines™ program for heart failure.

Several of our hospitals were rated as High Performing in heart failure by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026:

  • Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital
  • Corewell Heath Beaumont Troy Hospital
  • Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital
  • Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital
  • Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals - Butterworth and Blodgett hospitals
  • Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals - Niles and St. Joseph hospitals
  • Corewell Health Trenton Hospital
  • Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital

When should you see a specialist?

Symptoms of heart failure may develop over weeks or months. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:

  • Chest pain
  • Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
  • Coughing or wheezing, especially when you exercise or lie down
  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Shortness of breath, especially when lying down
  • Swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs 
  • Weight gain from fluid buildup

Connect with a Heart & Vascular specialist

Finding a specialist is the first step to treatment.

Conditions we treat

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD)

A genetic condition in which muscle tissue in the right ventricle is replaced by fat or scar tissue.

Cardiac amyloidosis

Small protein clumps build up inside the heart, which cause damage and reduce its ability to pump blood effectively.

Cardiac sarcoidosis

Heart damage and scarring caused by clusters of cells, called granulomas, that are triggered by an overactive immune response.

Cardiac tumors (atrial myxoma)

Tumors formed in the heart that often require treatment as part of cancer care. 

Cardiomyopathy

A group of diseases that cause the heart to weaken or change shape, leading to reduced function.

Congestive heart failure

A weakened heart can’t pump well enough to stop blood and fluid from collecting elsewhere in the body, especially the legs and lungs.

Diastolic heart failure

The heart doesn’t relax enough between beats to fully fill with blood, reducing blood flow and causing tiredness and shortness of breath.

Myocarditis

Inflammation and swelling of the heart, which may be caused by bacterial or viral infections, exposure to toxins, or certain immune system diseases.

Pulmonary hypertension

High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which makes it harder for the heart to pump blood and weakens it over time.

Right-sided heart failure

A weak right ventricle can’t pump enough blood to the lungs, causing blood to back up into the veins.

Systolic heart failure

A weak left ventricle is unable to contract properly, reducing blood flow and causing blood to pool at the bottom of the heart.

Treatments and services we provide

Related services

Need deeper understanding?

Speak with a specialist to learn more or get a second opinion to confirm a diagnosis or to validate treatment.