A heart failure specialist is a cardiologist with extra training in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology. Consider seeing one if you have a low ejection fraction, repeated hospital stays, symptoms despite medicines, trouble tolerating medicines, or questions about devices, LVADs or transplant. Earlier referral gives more treatment options.
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Board-certified cardiologist · Katy & Sugar Land, TX
Fellowship-trained in cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, echocardiography and advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology. Former Assistant Professor of Cardiology at McGovern Medical School.
What is a heart failure specialist?
All cardiologists treat heart failure. A heart failure specialist has completed additional fellowship training in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology after general cardiology training. That extra training focuses on fine-tuning complex medicine regimens, managing heart failure with other conditions such as kidney disease, evaluating unusual causes of cardiomyopathy, and deciding when patients may need advanced therapies such as mechanical heart pumps or transplant. Board certification in this subspecialty is available, and you can ask any physician about their training and certifications.
When to see a heart failure specialist
- Your ejection fraction is low (especially 35 percent or less) or falling.
- You have been hospitalized for heart failure, particularly more than once in a year.
- You still have breathlessness, fatigue or swelling despite medicines.
- Low blood pressure, kidney problems or high potassium prevent you from taking full doses of heart failure medicines.
- You need increasing doses of diuretics.
- You were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and the cause is unclear, or there is a family history.
- You are considering an ICD, CRT, LVAD or heart transplant evaluation.
- You want a second opinion about your treatment plan; see our cardiology second opinion page.
Signs heart failure may be advancing
Specialists often use a simple set of warning signs that suggest it is time for more advanced care:
| Warning sign | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Two or more heart failure hospitalizations in a year | Suggests current treatment is not keeping fluid and symptoms under control |
| Needing IV medicines to support the heart | Signals the heart may not maintain circulation on its own |
| Low blood pressure limiting medicines | Means fewer tools are available at standard doses |
| Worsening kidney function | Heart and kidneys affect each other in advanced disease |
| Rising diuretic needs | Fluid is becoming harder to control |
| Breathlessness with minimal activity or at rest | NYHA class III to IV symptoms |
| Repeated ICD shocks or rhythm problems | May need medication changes or ablation |
- Severe breathlessness or breathlessness at rest
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fainting or a shock from your ICD with symptoms
- Pink, frothy mucus or confusion
What happens at a heart failure specialist visit
Expect a thorough review of your history, medicines, hospital records and test results; an exam focused on fluid status; lab work; and often an updated echocardiogram and EKG. Your specialist will check whether you are on all appropriate guideline-directed medicines at the best tolerated doses, look for treatable causes, and discuss devices or advanced therapies when relevant. Bring your daily weight log and a list of all medicines.
Working with your heart failure team
Heart failure care works best as a team: your heart failure cardiologist, primary care doctor, nurses, pharmacist, dietitian and, often, cardiac rehabilitation staff. Hospital-based procedures such as advanced heart pumps are performed at affiliated hospitals, while ongoing medicine adjustments and monitoring happen in the office. Learn about our heart failure treatment options.
Heart failure specialist care in Sugar Land and Katy
Dr. Adnan Khalid is a board-certified cardiologist who completed fellowship training in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology and served as an Assistant Professor of Cardiology at McGovern Medical School. He sees heart failure patients at our Sugar Land and Katy offices. Learn about our advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology services and heart support devices.
Katy office: 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D, Katy, TX 77494
Sugar Land office: 7102 Tarrington Ave, Suite 505, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Phone: (713) 258-6111
We also see patients from Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg, Stafford, Missouri City and west Houston.
Still short of breath despite heart failure medicines?
Meet with a cardiologist trained in advanced heart failure. Request a visit in Sugar Land or Katy.
Having symptoms right now? Call 911. Do not wait for an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is a heart failure specialist?
A cardiologist with additional fellowship training in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology who manages complex heart failure and advanced therapies.
When should I see a heart failure specialist?
If you have a low or falling ejection fraction, repeated hospital stays, ongoing symptoms despite medicines, trouble tolerating medicines or questions about ICDs, LVADs or transplant.
Is a heart failure specialist different from a cardiologist?
All heart failure specialists are cardiologists, but they have extra training focused on heart failure, heart pumps and transplant.
Do I need a referral to see a heart failure specialist?
It depends on your insurance. Many plans allow direct scheduling, while some HMOs require a referral.
What should I bring to a heart failure appointment?
Your medicine list, daily weight log, recent hospital records and test results, and any device information.
Can a heart failure specialist help me avoid the hospital?
Optimizing medicines, close follow-up and early action on warning signs can reduce hospital stays for many patients.
Trusted health resources
- Heart Failure: Treatment, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH)
- Heart Failure, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH)
- Heart Failure, MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for care from your own doctor. If you think you may be having a heart attack, stroke or another emergency, call 911 right away.
