The Stanford University Division of Cardiovascular Medicine has focused on providing the latest advances in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of heart failure for more than 30 years. We performed the first U.S. heart transplant in 1968 and have since maintained a dedicated clinical team focused on patients with heart failure. During this time we have seen more than 5,000 such patients and have helped many of them return to a life of nearly normal activity.

We consistently measure the outcomes of health care services to track our performance and to inspire us to be even better. According to the data presented in our cardiovascular outcomes report, we continue to have outstanding patient outcomes despite the fact that we serve higher-risk populations.

Our patients include those with the following conditions:

• Cardiomyopathy
• Ischemic cardiomyopathy
• Myocarditis
• Sarcoid heart disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Refractory heart failure
  

The heart failure/cardiomyopathy specialists at Stanford include:

• Michael B. Fowler, MD
• John S. Schroeder, MD
• Randall H. Vagelos, MD

These physicians consult with a variety of specialists, including cardiovascular surgeons, electrophysiologists, and molecular biologists. In addition, a specialized team of cardiologists, clinical nurse specialists and social workers focus on the problems of each patient to establish diagnosis and plan for long-term care.

Diagnostic services include:

• Echocardiography
• Cardiac catheterization
• Myocardial biopsy to exclude myocarditis and infiltrative diseases
• Risk/survival assessment
  

• Optimization of drug regimens utilizing:
  
• • Beta blocker therapy for cardiomyopathies
  • Investigational afterload reduction
  • ACE inhibitors
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Investigational positive inotropic agents
  • Evaluation for heart transplant
    
    
• Ventricular remodeling surgeries
  
  
• Ventricular assist devices
  
  
• Investigational cardiac support devices
  
  

Caregivers at the Stanford Cardiomyopathy Center are highly experienced in the treatment of inpatients in both coronary care and ICU.