Failure? Fore!

Four years ago, Eric Zorn found himself on familiar territory: the golf course. By the fifth hole, he was so winded he could barely walk back to the cart. Shortly afterward, he had quadruple bypass surgery in his hometown of Sarasota, Florida. Instead of improving, however, his health rapidly deteriorated. 

A friend referred Eric to Cleveland Clinic, where he was diagnosed with amyloidosis, which had been overlooked by his previous healthcare provider. The rare protein disorder can affect the function of the heart or other organs. It also can lead to heart failure — as it did in Eric’s case. 

Heart failure is a syndrome, according to Jerry Estep, MD, Division Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Florida. 

“Like any syndrome in medicine,” Dr. Estep says, “it’s based upon a constellation of signs and symptoms.” Among them: shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations and swelling in the ankles, legs and abdomen. 

In people 65 and older, heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization. It affects more than 6 million people in the U.S., a number expected to continue to climb. 

“It’s a major problem,” Dr. Estep says. “Calling it a growing epidemic isn’t far from the truth.”  There are four stages of heart failure: A, B, C and D. They range from a high risk of developing heart failure (A) to advanced heart failure (D).

No cure exists for heart failure, so the focus is on slowing its progression — and recovery of heart function is possible. Modern medications, many pioneered at Cleveland Clinic, have dramatically improved survival. Every assessment and treatment plan includes identifying the underlying cause, lifestyle changes, and medications. Depending on the stage and the cause of heart failure, a patient also may benefit from a host of other interventions, including coronary revascularization (to restore blood flow to affected parts of the heart); valve repair or replacement; or devices such as a biventricular pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. 

For patients with the most advanced heart failure in Stage D, additional treatments may include a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) — a mechanical pump that sends blood to the aorta — or a heart transplant. 

“I specialized in heart failure to see real change,” Dr. Estep says. “It’s a fascinating syndrome, with multiple phases that offer opportunities to intervene to change the syndrome trajectory. We can have a profound impact, even for patients with advanced heart failure. We can help them get their lives back, and it’s a tremendous honor to be part of that journey.” 

In the care of Dr. Estep and Jason Valent, MD, Eric was treated with chemotherapy and cardiovascular drugs. Today, with his amyloidosis in remission, he wants to raise awareness about the disorder. His heart failure is under control, too, so he’s back to doing what he loves — and, yes, that includes golfing. 

“I even won a tournament the other day,” he says. “Having Dr. Estep and Dr. Valent in my life has truly been a blessing. Life is good.” ♥