Clinical Expertise
Heart failure requires a structured, ongoing approach to diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Godbole provides comprehensive heart failure care, from initial evaluation through medical therapy, device-based treatment, and acute heart failure therapies.
Assessment
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective heart failure management. Evaluation typically includes:
- Detailed clinical assessment of symptoms and functional capacity
- Echocardiography to assess heart chamber size, valve function, and pumping strength (ejection fraction)
- Blood tests, including biomarkers specific to heart failure
- ECG to assess heart rhythm and conduction
- Additional imaging or invasive assessment where needed to identify the underlying cause
This evaluation determines the type of heart failure present and guides the choice of treatment.
Foundation of Care
Medical Management
For most patients, guideline-directed medical therapy forms the cornerstone of treatment. This involves a carefully selected and titrated combination of medications aimed at:
- Reducing the heart's workload
- Controlling fluid retention
- Improving long-term heart function and survival
- Managing associated conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and abnormal heart rhythms
Medical therapy is individualized and reviewed regularly, with doses adjusted as the patient's condition evolves.
Device Therapy
Device-Based Treatment Options
For eligible patients, implantable devices can significantly improve symptoms and outcomes:
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT-P/CRT-D)
Improves the coordination of the heart's contraction in patients with specific conduction abnormalities.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs)
Protect against life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances associated with heart failure.
Acute Care
Acute Heart Failure Therapies
For patients with acute decompensated or treatment-resistant heart failure, additional strategies may be considered, including:
- Treatment of underlying contributing conditions, such as coronary artery disease or valve disease
- Mechanical circulatory support in select high-risk situations
- Close, structured follow-up to detect and manage episodes of decompensation early
Consult Dr. Godbole
Structured heart failure care, for the long term
From first evaluation to device therapy and acute heart failure care, every treatment plan is individualized, reviewed regularly, and followed closely over time.
Director & Senior Consultant · Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital, Electronic City
