In severe heart failure, devices can help the heart pump better. Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD) are implanted mechanical pumps that are most commonly used when people are waiting for heart transplants.

   When medications and lifestyle haven't stopped the progression of heart failure, surgical transplantation of a donor heart can be lifesaving.

   Other surgical procedures can sometimes be performed earlier to address the risk factors and causes of heart disease such as coronary artery bypass, percutaneous coronary intervention, or angioplasty to open the blockages of coronary atherosclerosis.