From heart failure to heart function: Jennifer’s story

Dr. Amit Khosla is a cardiologist and works at the Central Okanagan Heart Function Clinic in Kelowna, and is the medical director for heart failure at Interior Health. He echoes Jennifer's sentiments that heart failure can happen to anyone.

“A lot of people associate the term ‘heart failure’ with elderly patients who are at the end of their life,” says Dr. Khosla. “Though it’s a chronic condition, patients can live a full, good-quality life when they have heart failure with appropriate medicines and management. Advances in heart failure care and therapies in the past 10–15 years and other advances in cardiology have led to a better prognosis, and fewer deaths.”

Dr. Amit Khosla is a cardiologist and medical director of heart failure at Interior Health. He works at the Central Okanagan Heart Function clinic in Kelowna.

Heart failure is managed with medication, and sometimes requires mechanical intervention (e.g. a pacemaker), or surgery. It’s a condition that requires ongoing follow-up and reassessment.

Alicia is a registered nurse at one of IH's seven Heart Function Clinics. One of her roles is educating clients and writing medication action plans.

Interior Health patients may be referred to one of seven Heart Function Clinics. “Our specialized clinics give patients access to cardiologists, nurse practitioners and registered nurses, dietitians and social workers,” explains Dr. Khosla. “We offer adjustments to medication, patient education and assessments.”

Recognizing that being diagnosed with heart failure can be overwhelming, Interior Health recently created Managing Heart Failure Edubites, a five-part video series that offers concise, easy-to-understand information.

Managing Heart Failure: Heart Failure Education Edubite Series

We are grateful to the KGH Foundation for their financial and project support in making these videos a reality.

The Central Okanagan Heart Function Clinic team. From L to R: Marie, registered dietitian, Baljinder, office assistant, Ivana, RN, Tracey, RN, Alicia, RN, Kim, manager, Regional Cardiac Program & Central Okanagan Heart Function Clinic & KGH Device Clinic, Simran, office assistant, Genevieve, community integration care coordinator, Jeannine, NP.

The primary symptoms of heart failure are:

• Shortness of breath
• Excessive swelling in the ankles, legs and feet
• Fatigue and weakness

Heart failure is diagnosed by a physician or nurse practitioner. “It can be a tricky diagnosis to make, and symptoms can vary quite a bit. Shortness of breath and fatigue are common symptoms. A diagnosis encompasses a whole range of dysfunction of the heart muscle,” explains Dr. Khosla. “The most important tests include an echocardiogram (ECHO) and ultrasound of the heart. Some blood tests are helpful as well.”

Know your risks

You’re at higher risk for heart failure if you:

• Have a history of untreated high blood pressure
• Have diabetes that isn’t well managed
• Lead a sedentary lifestyle
• Have had a previous heart attack or heart disease
• Smoke
• Are overweight
• Have a family history of cardiomyopathy

If you or you know someone with heart failure or wants to know more about this condition, explore these resources for more information and education.

HeartLife Foundation

Patient resources (Canadian Heart Failure Society)

Heart failure (Heart and Stroke Foundation)

Heart Failure Awareness 2024 (Global Heart Hub)

This year’s theme is “It’s not normal to be breathless.”

Learn more