More than 4 million Americans suffer from heart failure and about 400,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. Most heart failure patients are 65 years of age and older. Heart failure is the number one hospital discharge diagnosis for persons in this age group. Heart failure is also terminal disease and often a results other cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease or hypertension.

Heart failure in older adults is different from heart failure in younger adults in many ways. Older adults suffer from multiple comorbidities, many of which mimic symptoms of heart failure and complicate its management. They also take many medications that can potentially interact with heart failure medications. In addition, age-related changes in body physiology and functional status, and patient and family preferences are often factored in to care process.

The UAB Geriatric Heart Failure Clinic is located at The MacDonald Clinic (1521 11th Avenue South) and is run by a clinician who is trained in geriatrics (care of older adults) and heart failure. The clinic is also staffed by a clinical pharmacist and a nurse practitioner, and a social worker. The objective of this clinic is to provide a comprehensive care to heart failure as well as other medical problems to improve function and quality of life.