Heart and Vascular Support Groups for Patients
Specialized Cardiovascular Support Through Mended Hearts
For more than 60 years, a nonprofit organization called Mended Hearts has been providing support and inspiring hope in our patients with heart disease. Through Mended Hearts of Greater Cleveland, UH brings together patients, families and caregivers to learn how to live a healthy, fulfilling life after a heart event.
If you or a loved one are facing a heart condition, Mended Hearts gives you the opportunity to speak with someone who has been in your shoes and enables strong relationship development with a network of caring individuals.
Bi-Monthly CT Group for Transplant Patients & Caregivers
UH is pleased to host a group experience called the CT Group for heart and lung transplant patients. If you are living with a severe heart or lung condition, the CT Group can provide you with the opportunity to meet with other patients and caregivers in a structured setting so you can receive transplant specific education and support. Although the group’s requests dictate what is covered during sessions, the focus is usually on the following topics:
- Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs
- General A discussion of feelings
- Medication management
- Nutritional Diet planning
- Wellness
By attending CT group meetings every other month, you and your caregivers can receive the professional guidance you need for all phases of care, including pre-transplant, transplant surgery and post-transplant.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Survivor Support Group
When patients are at home recovering from a serious condition, they may suffer from Post ICU Syndrome, making it difficult for them to pick up where they left off as a spouse, parent, friend, employee or individual. They may face problems with clear thinking, lingering weakness, anxiety or depression.
Since approximately one in three patients who have been to the intensive care unit (ICU) develop Post ICU Syndrome, we are pleased to host an ICU Survivor Support group. This unique group offers those struggling with Post ICU Syndrome the chance to share their experience and meet others who understand the challenges of recovery. By attending group meetings, participants can find inspiration throughout the recovery process. If you would like to learn more about our ICU survivor support group, contact us at 216-844-5096 or email ICUsurvivorsgroup@UHhospitals.org.
LVAD Support for Patients
A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump that is implanted inside of a patient’s chest to help their heart pump blood. Rather than replacing the heart, theLVAD helps it perform its intended function. At UH, we understand the unique challenges of living with an LVAD and offer an LVAD support group for left ventricular assist device recipients, caregivers and providers. If you would like to learn more about our LVAD support group, contact us at216-844-3800.
Fibromuscular Dysplasia and Arterial Dissection Support Group
Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is an uncommon and often underdiagnosed vascular disease that causes narrowing, aneurysms and dissections in the medium-sized arteries of the body. Arterial dissections occur when there is a tear in the wall of a coronary artery, causing a severe blockage.
Led by Heather Gornik, MD, Co-Director of the Vascular Center and Director of the Fibromuscular Dysplasia and Arterial Dissection Program at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, these sessions focus on various topics related to FMD and dissections, including updates on the latest research, followed by an open discussion. The support group partners with the FMD Society of America (FMDSA) and Ms. Pamela Mace, Executive Director of the organization, and FMD patient.