Heart Failure

Our pediatric heart failure specialists care for infants, children, and teens with pediatric heart failure, offering personalized treatment and long‑term support.
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Pediatric heart failure means the heart is not pumping efficiently enough to meet the body’s needs. This can lead to symptoms such as poor feeding, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling, or slow growth. It can be present at birth or develop later in childhood, and every child’s experience is different.

University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital pediatric heart failure specialists care for infants, children, and teens with both congenital and acquired heart disease. We focus on stabilizing your child’s heart function, supporting their healthy development, and improving their quality of life — while partnering closely with you every step of the way.

Comprehensive, individualized care for heart failure

Each child’s condition is unique. Our team develops a personalized plan based on diagnosis, age, and long‑term goals. Some children improve with optimized heart failure medications, careful monitoring, and nutrition support.

 Treatment plans may include:

  • Advanced heart failure medical therapy
  • Nutrition and growth support
  • Ongoing testing and imaging
  • Rehabilitation and psychosocial services

When a child needs more than medication alone, we partner closely with our Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Therapy and Transplant Team to evaluate additional options.

Our cardio-oncology care

Some children who receive cancer treatment may develop heart problems as a result of chemotherapy, radiation, or other therapies that affect the heart muscle. We protect and manage heart health for children and teens during and after cancer care. We work closely with pediatric oncology, pediatric ACT, and transplant specialists to: 

  • Monitor heart function 
  • Prevent complications 
  • Treat early signs of weakness before they become serious 

Your child’s care plan includes advanced imaging, medication management, and long-term follow-up designed to support both cancer recovery and heart health. We want your child to stay strong throughout treatment and live a full, healthy life after it.

A team-based approach to heart failure care

We take a team based, coordinated approach to care that is centered on your child and family. Your child’s care is guided by a multidisciplinary heart failure team that works together to create a personalized treatment plan and adjust it as your child grows and changes.

Their team may include cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, dietitians, and social workers who meet regularly to review your child’s progress and keep everyone aligned with the care plan. Just as important, we keep families informed and involved — answering questions, offering education, and helping navigate both medical and day-to-day concerns.

Pediatric heart failure treatments

Pediatric heart failure conditions

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