Heart Failure and Transplant Program

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In treating patients with refractory heart failure at a tertiary referral center, we strive to have innovative therapies available for all patients. Heart failure consultation includes appropriate modification of conventional medications coupled with functional, hemodynamic and nutritional evaluations as required to generate an exercise and dietary prescription to augment the medication regimen. We have actively participated in numerous clinical research protocols including the pivotal trials with carvedilol — the first and only beta-blocker approved by the FDA for treatment of heart failure. Currently, trials are underway with novel endothelin antagonists and an anti-TNF compound.

Patients with 'end-stage' heart failure are simultaneously evaluated for investigational medical therapy, cardiac transplant and other surgical options. Over 200 cardiac transplant operations have been performed at Mount Sinai and the number grows by approximately 30 cases per year. The survival rate is unsurpassed (in the top one percent nationally), and for most patients the quality of life is also restored, allowing an active lifestyle with few restrictions.