Palliative Care for Heart Patients

What is it?

Palliative care focuses on helping patients with an end-stage heart failure plan for future needs. In particular, palliative care is intended to support patients and families with complex and chronic illness for whom the prognosis may be uncertain or is time-bound. We work to improve overall outcomes and quality of life by focusing on symptom relief and avoiding hospitalization, therefore preventing medical complications. Palliative care may be offered simultaneously with medical management of congestive heart failure.

At Loyola, you can expect compassionate care, comfort and dignity. Our mission to serve is grounded in our Catholic heritage and Jesuit traditions, and our care demonstrates our commitment to also treat the human spirit.

Loyola’s multidisciplinary team of experts offer medical, emotional and spiritual support of patients faced with end-stage heart disease, including:

• Symptom control with inotropic agents that strengthen the heart’s function
• Pain management
• Coordination of care with your primary-care physician
• Completion of advance directives
• Management of the palliative care process
• Emotional and spiritual support from our social workers and chaplains
• Finding a hospice program, if appropriate

The Loyola difference

Loyola is a nationally recognized leader in cardiac care. U.S. News & World Report ranked us 18th in the nation for cardiology and heart surgery in 2012, making this our 10th year in the top 50.

Learn more about our performance outcomes.