Heart Failure
"Heart failure" is a scary-sounding name for a condition many people live with for years. It does not mean the heart has stopped — it means the heart isn't pumping as well as it should, and with the right treatment and daily habits, most people can feel better and stay active. The Saint Joseph Health System heart team cares for people with heart failure across Mishawaka and South Bend. Schedule an appointment or call (855) 887-5633.
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What is heart failure?
In heart failure, the heart muscle becomes weaker or stiffer than it should be, so it can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. When blood backs up and fluid collects in the lungs, legs, or belly, doctors call it congestive heart failure — the "congestion" is that fluid. Heart failure often develops after damage from a heart attack, years of high blood pressure, heart valve problems, or a disease of the heart muscle itself called cardiomyopathy. Understanding the cause helps your care team choose the right treatment.
Symptoms to watch for
Common signs include shortness of breath with activity or when lying flat; swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs; unusual tiredness; a cough that won't quit; and rapid weight gain from fluid — several pounds in a few days. Call your care team promptly if these appear or worsen. Call 911 for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting.
How we diagnose and manage heart failure
Diagnosis typically includes an echocardiogram — an ultrasound that shows how well the heart is pumping — along with an EKG and blood tests. Treatment is built around proven medications that ease the heart's workload and help the body shed extra fluid, plus daily habits that make a measurable difference: limiting sodium, weighing yourself each morning to catch fluid gain early, staying active at the right level, and keeping follow-up visits. Our cardiac rehabilitation program provides supervised exercise and coaching, and your cardiologist coordinates care if a valve problem or rhythm problem is contributing. When advanced treatments or devices are appropriate, your cardiologist will discuss options and coordinate referral. [VERIFY device clinic / advanced HF pathway] Existing patients can message the team anytime through MyChart.
Frequently asked questions
No. A heart attack is a sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart; heart failure is an ongoing condition where the heart pumps less effectively. A heart attack can lead to heart failure, but they're different problems.
It refers to fluid building up — in the lungs, legs, or belly — when the heart falls behind. Treating that fluid is a core part of care.
Many people do. Medications, daily habits, and regular follow-up can control symptoms and protect the heart for years. There's no cure, but there is a lot that works.
Fluid builds quietly. A gain of 2–3 pounds overnight or 5 pounds in a week can signal fluid retention before you feel worse — catching it early lets your team adjust treatment quickly.
A disease of the heart muscle itself — it can run in families or develop over time, and it's one of the causes of heart failure. Your cardiologist can test for it and tailor treatment.