Heart Failure & Heart Transplantation
Heart Failure & Heart Transplantation

Transplant Center

Heart Transplant Program

  • Overview
  • Diagnosis & Treatment
  • Meet Our Team

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis of Heart Failure

Patients with heart failure typically experience decreased tolerance of exercise, decreased ability to participate in activity, and shortness of breath. They do not necessarily experience chest pain.

Diagnosis starts with questions about the patient’s medical history and symptoms, and a physical examination.

Physicians use several tests during the diagnosis and management of heart failure. Most tests are noninvasive, such as:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): A recording of the electrical activity of the heart, used to detect heart abnormalities.
  • X-ray: Detailed images of the heart and the inside of the chest.
  • Echocardiogram: A test that uses sound waves to reveal the size, shape, and functioning of the heart.

Occasionally, diagnosis may require the use of invasive tests, such as cardiac catheterization, in which a catheter is placed in the heart to observe blood flow and blood pressure.

Treatment of Heart Failure

The The Heart Transplant Program provides a full range of treatment options that can be tailored to each patient’s needs. Treatment aims to reduce the heart’s workload. Non-surgical treatment options include prescription medication or lifestyle changes, such as improvements in diet and exercise. In addition, the program offers a range of surgical procedures, including heart transplantation.

As much as possible, the program aims to keep patients out of the hospital and maintain their lifestyle and independence. Some patients will be admitted to the hospital for initial diagnosis and treatment, with regular follow-up appointments required in the outpatient Heart Failure Clinic after discharge. For less severe cases, outpatient-only treatment is an option.

In certain cases, devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators may be needed if symptoms persist. Advanced cases are evaluated to determine suitability for artificial heart pumps or heart transplantation.

In all stages of heart failure, patients and their families receive extensive information and education.

Show More

Meet Our Team

The Heart Transplant Program is a multidisciplinary effort that involves a diverse range of healthcare professionals. Caregivers involved in patient care for this program includes:

  • Cardiologists
  • Cardiac surgeons
  • Intensive care physicians
  • Specialized nurses
  • Pharmacotherapy specialists
  • Case managers
  • Dieticians
  • Physical therapists
Loading data please wait ...

Loading data please wait ...

CCAD

Our Doctors

Meet all our doctors at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

View Doctors
CCAD

International Patients

We welcome patients from around the world.

Learn More
CCAD

Insurance Partners

We partner with many insurance companies offering coverage for your care.

Learn More