Center for Heart Failure
Our Center for Heart Failure uses the latest technologies and innovative treatments to help you stay out of the hospital and improve your quality of life. We empower you to take control of your heart health with ongoing support and compassionate care.
Why Choose Baptist Health's Center for Heart Failure
If you’re living with heart failure—or at risk—where you turn for care can make all the difference. At Baptist Health’s Center for Heart Failure, we offer more than treatment—we offer hope, support, and a proven path forward.
Our patients are cared for by a multidisciplinary team of heart failure specialists who are among the most experienced in the region. This includes board-certified heart failure physicians, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiac surgeons, pharmacists, dietitians, and nurse practitioners—all working together to create customized treatment plans that address every aspect of your condition and lifestyle.
We combine advanced imaging, remote monitoring, on-site labs and pharmacy, and access to FDA-restricted therapies—making Baptist Health one of only a few centers in the U.S. where patients can access the full spectrum of heart failure interventions, from early medical therapy to mechanical circulatory support.
You’ll also benefit from:
- Same-day clinic visits when symptoms worsen
- Personalized care coordination with your referring physicians
- Participation in cutting-edge clinical trials that may give you access to life-extending therapies
- Whole-person support including palliative care and cardiac rehab
At Baptist Health, we don’t just treat the disease—we partner with you for life. Our mission is to help you feel better, stay out of the hospital, and regain confidence in your heart health.
Our Approach
If you’re living with heart failure or at risk, choosing the right care can change everything. At Baptist Health’s Center for Heart Failure, we provide more than treatment—we offer hope, support, and a clear path forward.
Our multidisciplinary team includes board-certified heart failure doctors, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiac surgeons, pharmacists, dietitians, and nurse practitioners. Together, they develop personalized plans that address both your condition and lifestyle.
We use advanced imaging, remote monitoring, and on-site labs and pharmacy to deliver comprehensive care. Baptist Health is one of the few centers in the U.S. offering access to the full range of heart failure therapies—from early medical treatment to advanced mechanical circulatory support.
With expert care and innovative options, we’re committed to helping you live better and longer.
Care After a Hospital Stay
The Center for Heart Failure has one of the region’s lowest hospital readmission rates for heart failure. Our team’s goal is to help you recover fully and avoid future hospitalizations.
If you’ve been hospitalized for heart failure, we encourage you to schedule a follow-up appointment within 10 days of discharge. This early follow-up is critical to helping you regain stability and prevent complications.
By the Numbers: Heart Failure
adults in the U.S. are living with heart failure.
patients hospitalized with heart failure are readmitted within 30 days.
of patients diagnosed with heart failure live five years or longer with proper care.
Heart failure accounts for more than 1 million hospitalizations each year in the U.S.
Popular Conditions and Treatments
I'm quite satisfied with the team at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac Vascular Institute. I love Dr. Chaparro. We have a very collaborative approach to care, and I love that about her.
Advanced LVAD Shared Care Now Available
Baptist Health’s Center for Heart Failure is now participating in a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Shared Care Program, a collaborative model that allows patients with implanted LVADs to receive ongoing follow-up and specialized care locally, in partnership with the implanting center. This approach improves continuity of care, enhances patient quality of life, and minimizes travel-related burdens. Our team is trained and equipped to monitor and manage LVAD patients, offering same-day access to care when needed and seamless coordination with implanting specialists.
As we say, it’s important to know your numbers, such as glucose (blood sugar), cholesterol and blood pressure. It’s vital to decrease stress levels and take your medicines as prescribed. Follow up with your doctor as needed.”
Read Full Story
Sandra Chaparro, M.D.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Heart failure means the heart is not pumping blood as effectively as it should.
This can cause blood to back up and pool in areas such as the legs, abdomen or lungs, and may prevent the body from getting enough oxygen and nutrients. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating.
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Heart failure and congestive heart failure are related, but not exactly the same.
Heart failure refers to the heart’s inability to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a type of heart failure that involves fluid buildup, or congestion, in the body’s tissues. It is possible to have heart failure without congestion.
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Left-sided heart failure is the most common type.
It occurs when the left ventricle is not pumping oxygenated blood to the body effectively. Right-sided heart failure occurs when the right ventricle cannot pump blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen.
Left-sided heart failure is often associated with symptoms such as shortness of breath or fatigue. Right-sided heart failure is often associated with swelling in the legs or abdomen.
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Yes. With appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes, many people with heart failure can experience meaningful improvements in symptoms and quality of life.
Treatment may include medications, dietary changes, exercise and, in some cases, medical devices or procedures. Your healthcare team will work with you to develop a personalized plan to help manage your condition and support your heart health.
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Exercise may be beneficial for people with heart failure.
It can help strengthen the heart, improve circulation and increase energy levels. It is important not to overexert yourself, and you should talk with your physician about the safest types and amount of physical activity for your condition.
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Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) occurs when the left ventricle’s ability to contract and pump blood is reduced.
Ejection fraction refers to the percentage of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each heartbeat. A typical range is about 55 percent to 65 percent, and the heart does not fully empty with each beat.
With appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes, many people with HFrEF can experience improvements in symptoms and quality of life.
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Changes in symptoms can signal that heart failure is worsening and that treatment may need to be adjusted.
Your healthcare team will guide you on what to monitor. Symptoms may include:
- Weakness or fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the ankles, legs or feet
- Abdominal swelling
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Persistent cough or wheezing
- Changes in blood pressure
- Confusion or difficulty thinking
- Weight gain of more than 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week
Our Location
Pioneering The Cures Of Tomorrow
Our researchers play a vital role in helping us better understand heart and vascular disease. They participate in a wide variety of clinical trials dedicated to improving treatments that will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. Learn more about their work and what it means to be involved in a clinical trial.
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