UI Heart and Vascular Center Cardiologists John Chase, M.D., Barry Cabuay, M.D., and Brian Olshansky, M.D., and nurses Sara Vance and Traci Stewart will present, "Living with Heart Failure--New Treatment Options and Tools for Success."

Part of the "Health For Your Lifetime" series, this free, public seminar will offer an overview about heart failure, new treatments available and the keys to being successful if you have the disease.

"The symptoms of heart failure can be deceptive," said Chase, who is with UI Heart and Vascular Center's Heart Failure Treatment Program. "You might experience shortness of breath. Your ankles might swell. Or you might just feel tired. Regardless of how it occurs, a diagnosis of heart failure can feel devastating.

"But there is hope. Conventional therapy combined with new treatments can effectively manage this common chronic condition, which affects nearly five million Americans," Chase added.

Seminar discussion will include the following topics:

• "Heart Failure Causes and Treatment." Receive an overview of the disease.
• "Living with Heart Failure: The Physical Tools Necessary for Success." Learn how diet and exercise can help to control the disease.
• "Don't Give Up...Open Up!" From joining a support group to speaking frankly with others, learn how to manage the disease mentally and emotionally.
• "Accessing the System: Medicare Part D and Beyond." The expenses associated with managing a chronic illness can be worrisome. Learn about recent changes in Medicare.
• "LVADs, Surgery and Heart Pumps...Oh, My!" The latest technology saves lives. Learn how it works and how it can help.
• "Is it Time We Get in Sync? Fixing an Offbeat Heart Rhythm." Biventricular pacing and heart failure go hand-in-hand. Hear how a new generation of pacemakers is helping patients feel better, longer.

Participants are invited to stay after the program for a light lunch and the opportunity to talk to physicians, nurses, and heart failure patients.

For more information:

John Chase, M.D.

Barry Cabuay, M.D.

Brian Olshansky, M.D.