GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • What is it? Congestive (kon-JES-tiv) heart failure is also called CHF or heart failure. It
    occurs when the heart muscle is weak and has trouble pumping out blood. Fluid collects
    in the lungs or other parts of the body. This is because the heart is not pumping as well
    as it should. This causes your body to not get enough oxygen-rich blood to keep you
    healthy and strong. CHF starts slowly and gets worse over time.

What causes CHF?

  • A heart attack, heart disease, or high blood pressure may cause CHF. Other causes
    may be heart valve problems, heart muscle disease, or diabetes. Narrowed arteries that
    supply blood to the heart muscle may also cause CHF. Some medicines and lung or
    thyroid disease may also cause CHF.

What are the signs and symptoms of CHF?

  • You may have trouble breathing that is worse during exercise or when lying down. Other
    signs may be edema (swelling) in your ankles, legs, or abdomen. You may feel restless,
    tired, or weak. You may gain weight. You may not be hungry, or you may feel full quickly
    when you eat. You may have a dry cough that does not go away. You may cough up
    white frothy phlegm (spit).

How is CHF treated?

CHF can usually be treated with the following:

  • Medicine that helps your heart work better.
  • Medicine that removes the extra fluid in your lungs and body.
  • Oxygen to help you breathe easier.
  • Tests and treatments in the hospital (blood tests, x-rays, or breathing treatments).

How should I take care of myself at home?

  • Take your medicines as directed by your caregiver.
  • Eat low salt and low fat foods.
  • Watch your weight.
  • Avoid or limit drinks that contain alcohol.
  • Rest when you need it.
  • Exercise when your caregiver says it is OK.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Avoid or limit drinks and foods that contain caffeine.
  • Stay indoors if the weather is very hot or very cold. Your heart works harder in these
    temperatures.

For support and information:

  • CHF is a life-changing disease for you and your family. Accepting that you have CHF is
    hard. You and those close to you may feel angry, sad, or frightened. These feelings are
    normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Let them help you.
    Encourage those close to you to talk to your caregiver about how things are at home.
    Your caregiver can help your family better understand how to support a person with CHF.

  • Ask your health care provider if they know about books that you can read. Reading
    about your illness can help you better understand how to live with it. You may also want
    to join a support group. This is a group of people who also have CHF. Ask your
    caregiver for the names and numbers of support groups in your town. You can also
    contact one of the following national organizations for more information.

American Heart Association National Center
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX75231-4596
Phone: 1-800-242-8721
Web Address: http://www.americanheart.org

CARE AGREEMENT:

  • You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about
    your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options
    with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You
    always have the right to refuse treatment.
CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
Scott D Olson   257 W Delaware Circle Littleton, CO 80120
720-255-3188
Wellbright LLC
Click Here to contact me via e-mail at scott@wellbrightllc.com