Systolic heart failure, also known as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), is a type of left-sided heart failure. It happens when the left ventricle, one of four heart chambers, cannot contract and pump blood as it should. At the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, a multidisciplinary team led by board-certified heart failure cardiologists delivers specialized, patient-centered treatment for this condition.
A healthy left ventricle receives oxygen-rich blood from another chamber in the heart called the left atrium. Then, the left ventricle pumps blood out of the heart into the rest of the body with every heartbeat. The amount of blood pushed out of the heart during each heartbeat is described as the ejection fraction (EF). A healthy heart has an EF of 55 to 60 percent.
When the left ventricle can’t pump enough blood, it must work harder to keep the blood flowing. People with systolic heart failure have an EF of 40 percent or less.
Recognizing the symptoms of systolic heart failure is important for early diagnosis and treatment.
Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or even while resting
- Feeling unusually tired or weak, even after simple tasks
- Swelling and fluid buildup in the abdomen, ankles, feet or legs (also known as edema)
- Frequent coughing or wheezing, sometimes with white or pink blood-tinged mucus
- Increased or irregular heart rate (you may feel palpitations or like your heart is racing)
- Lack of appetite, nausea or a feeling of abdominal fullness or discomfort
- Difficulty concentrating, confusion or memory issues
Systolic heart failure is usually a chronic condition, but treatment can help manage the condition and your symptoms. Life expectancy varies based on the severity of the condition as well as several personal factors like age, sex and other medical conditions. About half of all people with heart failure are still alive after five years, with three in 10 still living 10 years after diagnosis. You can improve your chance of a longer, healthier life with early detection and treatment from experienced providers.
The primary risk factors for systolic heart failure are having coronary artery disease (CAD) or poorly controlled high blood pressure.
Other common risk factors include:
- Arrhythmia, or an irregular heart rhythm
- Being over 70 years old
- Congenital heart disease
- Diabetes
- Drug and alcohol use
- Family history
- Heart valve disease, either due to congenital defects or acquired conditions
- Obesity
- Sleep apnea
- Viral myocarditis
Other causes of systolic heart failure include:
- Amyloidosis
- Certain chemotherapy drugs, like doxorubicin
- Rare conditions, such as endocrine abnormalities, rheumatologic disease or neuromuscular conditions
- Sarcoidosis
Your first visit to UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute’s advanced heart failure program will last about 40 minutes. In addition to meeting with your physician, you may also meet other team members. These may include a nurse coordinator, nurse practitioner and pharmacist. During your visit, you’ll discuss any symptoms you’ve noticed. Your cardiologist also will review your imaging and other test results. If you have not already had an echocardiogram, cardiopulmonary exercise test or other necessary testing, your team will order them for you.
During your visit, your team will provide details about:
- How heart failure may affect your life
- How to properly manage the disease with medicines and lifestyle changes
- Available treatment options
- If you have questions about heart failure, your team will answer them. They’ll also guide you toward resources to further understand and manage the condition.
To make the most of your appointment, take the following steps:
- Ask a loved one to join you. A family member or friend can help take notes or remember questions you need to ask of your care team.
- Bring your insurance plan information. UK HealthCare accepts most insurance providers. A member of our team can help confirm your coverage, and financial assistance is available if needed.
- Write down all the medicines or supplements you take, along with the dosage and frequency. Better yet, bring your medicine bottles to your appointment.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Though you won’t undergo any imaging exams at your first visit, you will have to walk a bit to reach your appointment.
Where we are located
The UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute is located at 800 Rose St. in Pavilion G, on the first floor of UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital. We will mail you a map and directions when your appointment is scheduled.
Patient drop-off
Patients can be dropped off in front of the main entrance to Albert B. Chandler Hospital at 1000 S. Limestone. If you are dropped off at the main entrance, you’ll enter the revolving doors on the ground floor of the hospital. Take the main stairs just to the left (or elevator across the atrium) to the first floor of Pavilion A.
After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
Parking
It is easiest to park in the UK HealthCare Parking Garage, across from the hospital at 110 Transcript Ave.
There are two paths from this garage to the Gill clinic:
- You may take the free shuttle from Level A of the parking garage. You’ll exit the shuttle at the Pavilion A/ Pavilion G stop in front of the main entrance to the hospital. After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
- From Level C of the parking garage you may walk or take a golf cart across the pedway to the first floor of Pavilion A. Turn left past the help desk and walk away from the dining hall. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
If you need help finding your way, information desks are located inside the main entrances to Pavilion A, both on the ground floor and at the end of the pedway on the first floor. You may also call the information desk at 859-323-5816.
By turning to UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute’s advanced heart failure program, you have access to ongoing clinical trials. At any given time, we’re researching new devices, medications or interventions to help shape the future of heart failure care. If you’re eligible for a clinical trial, your care team will notify you. Team members then educate you on the purpose, methods and length of the trial, so you can determine whether you would like to be part of the trial. Participation in all clinical trials is voluntary.
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