Heart & Vascular Care

Treatment & Recovery Programs - Heart Failure Program

What is Heart Failure?
Heart Failure occurs when something has weakened or damaged the heart muscle. The damaged heart is unable to sufficiently pump the blood as well as it should. As a result of an inefficient heart pump, other bodily tissues in the body can become congested with fluids. This excess fluid causes swelling (edema) in legs, feet, arms or abdomen. Excess fluid can also collect in the lungs causing shortness of breath and fatigue.

What does the program include?
The Heart Failure program at Rapid City Regional Hospital is an outpatient program. A team of physicians, nurses, exercise specialists, nutritionist, and others assists patients with their heart failure management. Our program educates patients on how to manage heart failure. A key part of heart failure management is modification of some lifestyle choices.

Patients can choose one of two program tracks:

Program I: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Phase II Cardiac Rehab
In phase II of the program, you will focus on exercise, risk factor assessment and lifestyle changes. In phase III, the maintenance phase, you will continue to exercise and receive education.

Program II: CHF Telemanagement
The telemanagement group is for individuals unable to participate in the cardiac rehabilitation program. This group provides weekly contact with a nurse. Monitoring of weight, blood pressure, pulse and assessing for any signs or symptoms of worsening heart failure is completed. Telemanagement patients are encouraged to attend our outpatient education classes. Telemanagement provides patients with professional support to reduce and control symptoms associated with heart failure.