Heart Failure Care

Get expert diagnosis, personalized treatment, and ongoing support for heart failure in Topeka, Junction City, and Manhattan.

Schedule an Appointment: (785) 270-4100

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure means the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. Common symptoms include:

  • Dizziness
  • Edema (swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs)
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Fluid buildup in the lungs
  • Shortness of breath

Don’t ignore these signs!

Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience these symptoms.

Why Choose Stormont Vail for Heart Failure Care?

  • Advanced Heart Imaging: Accurate diagnosis and ongoing monitoring
  • Mayo Clinic Care Network Member: Access to world-class expertise
  • Personalized Care Plans: Tailored to your needs
  • Multidisciplinary Team: Cardiologists, nurses, dietitians, and care coordinators supporting you every step

Living Your Best Life With Heart Failure

  • Take medications as prescribed
  • Follow your recommended diet
  • Limit fluid intake
  • Weigh yourself daily
  • Exercise regularly (as advised by your care team)
  • Monitor symptoms and contact your provider if anything changes
  • Keep all scheduled appointments (especially early in your care)

Know Your Heart Zones: Daily Self-Check

Green Zone: All Clear

  • No shortness of breath
  • No swelling
  • No weight gain
  • No chest pain

No decrease in activity level

Yellow Zone: Caution

  • Weight gain of 2–3 lbs. in a day
  • Increased cough or swelling
  • More shortness of breath with activity
  • Needing extra pillows to sleep

Red Zone: Medical Alert

  • Shortness of breath at rest
  • Unrelieved chest pain
  • Needing to sit up to sleep
  • Weight gain of 5 lbs. in a week
  • Confusion or memory problems

Contact your provider if you enter the Yellow Zone. Waiting until the Red Zone may require hospital care.

Treatment Options

We offer a full spectrum of heart failure treatments to help you manage your condition and reduce complications:

  • Medication management
  • Lifestyle counseling
  • Advanced imaging and diagnostics
  • Coordination with specialists

Heart Failure Care Team

Our dedicated team includes cardiologists, nurses, dietitians, and care coordinators—all working together to support your heart health.

Craig Gernon, M.D.

Specialty: Cardiology
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Michelle Goin, APRN

Specialty: Cardiology
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Hisham Hakeem, M.D.

Specialty: Cardiology
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Donney Kastner, M.D.

Specialty: Cardiology
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Gilbert Katz, M.D.

Specialty: Cardiology
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David Koerner, APRN

Specialty: Cardiology
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Jana Lusk, PA-C

Specialty: Cardiology
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Joni Miller, APRN

Specialty: Cardiology
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Rachel Moats, PA-C

Specialty: Cardiology
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Ashley Mohr, PA-C

Specialty: Cardiology
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Tiffany Naccarato, APRN

Specialty: Cardiology
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Headshot of Amanda Nall, APRN

Amanda Nall, APRN

Specialty: Cardiology
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Nilay Patel, M.D.

Specialty: Cardiology
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Headshot of Allison B. Proctor, APRN, Stormont Vail Health Endocrinology

Allison Proctor, APRN

Specialty: Cardiology
Provider Bio

Our Heart Center & Clinic Location

Cotton O’Neil Heart Center

929 SW Mulvane Street
Topeka, KS 66606
Location Information

Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus

1102 St. Marys Road
Junction City, KS 66441
Location Information

Stormont Vail Health Manhattan Campus

1325 Research Park Drive
Manhattan, KS 66502
Location Information