Understanding heart failure

Heart failure is a chronic condition resulting from the heart’s inability to pump enough blood throughout the body. It can develop slowly over time or occur suddenly. Either way the heart is unable to work and pump blood efficiently, resulting in a lack of oxygen-rich blood and nutrients being delivered to the body.

There are two basic types of heart failure: Systolic heart failure and Diastolic heart failure. Systolic heart failure occurs when the heart muscle cannot contract well and isn’t strong enough to push all the blood back into circulation. Blood coming into the heart from the lungs can “back up”, and fluid may leak into the lungs. This is the most common type of heart failure. Diastolic heart failure results when the heart does not relax. Fluid often accumulates in the distal extremities, and the lungs may become congested. Functionally, these forms of heart failure often present the same symptoms to your nurses and caregivers.

Symptoms
Symptoms of heart failure may develop slowly at first or occur when the patient is active, but over time these symptoms are also evident when the patient is at rest. In the case of sudden onset, such as a heart attack, symptoms will appear after the incident. Common symptoms are: cough, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, loss of appetite, rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swollen abdomen, swollen feet and legs, and unexplained weight gain loss.

Treatment
Monitoring and self-care at home is the first steps involved to understand the disease process and how the patient can manage heart failure at home. Diet, exercise, and medication are keys to success. The goal of treating heart failure is to slow the progression, as treatment will decrease the need for hospitalization and re-hospitalization and also lower the risk of death.

Managing Heart Failure
There are a number of steps for managing heart failure such as:
* Monitor weight – gaining 3 lbs. in one day or 5 lbs. in one week is a sign of increased heart failure.
* Monitor overall symptoms
* Take medications as prescribed
* Do not smoke
* Complete a prescribed home exercised program
* Lose weight if needed
* Lower cholesterol levels if needed
* Rest in between activities. It gives he heart a chance to recover
* Follow a low-sodium diet

Home Care for Heart Failure Patients
Heart failure is one of the most common reasons why people develop acute care needs. Non-medical home care support can aide with: ADLs- bathing, dressing, and grooming of heart failure patients may all be affected because of weight gain and fluid retention. Such a condition often limits functional range of motion.

Home Care Services and Nurses can be key for a heart failure patient. Such as:
Plan of care adherence – a caregiver will help implement the treatment plan as prescribed by medical professionals. Caregivers are instrumental in helping a client stay on track and reminding them of the daily tasks required to manage their disease. This may include daily weight and blood pressure checks and recording.

Disease process education – heart failure is a treatable chronic disease, but patients will have to manage the disease process for the rest of their lives. Diet, exercise, and medication are the keys to managing the disease process.

Recognizing signs and symptoms – how to reduce ER and Urgent Care visits through sign and symptom management for fewer complications. Monitoring weight, fluid retention, and blood pressure is important to help the patient track changes that will allow them to take appropriate steps to treat the issues before they become serious.

Medication education – how to store medications to facilitate proper dosage and timing, such as a medication box or setup. When to take medications and how to administer.

Fall risk reduction – shortness of breath due to fluid retention can often lead to falls. The nurse will identify risks and show the patient compensation techniques that will help reduce the fall risk.

Meal prep – a low sodium diet is important for success in managing the heart failure patient. A caregiver is a possible solution for someone who needs help with meal preparation.

Motivational exercise – increasing the activity level of a patient; the muscles act as ‘pumps’ and help facilitate the movement of some fluid back into the trunk of the body for excretion thereby reducing the amount of fluid retention. Patients will often complete their home exercise program with the encouragement of a caregiver.

Transportation – a patient may have physical issues and be unable to drive a car safely. The caregiver can provide necessary transportation.

If you or someone you love is a heart failure patient, call Trustworthy Home Health Care today to see how our services can pair with your in-home health care needs. 941-377-CARE (2273)