Download Congestive Heart Failure

CHF - Congested Heart Failure
There are 15 million new cases diagnosed annually. It is the leading cause of hospitalization for seniors
over the age of 65. It is a progressive disease that worsens over time and requires the patient’s active
participation to minimize symptoms.
CHF is caused by either problems in the heart or excessive demands on the heart. As the heart ages, it
can have signal related dysfunction which decreases the contractibility, which in turn decreases the
stroke volume and the preload on the heart. The ventricles of the heart can become stiff where the
muscle can’t relax to allow the chambers to fill with blood.
There are a variety of medications which treat CHF:
1) Digoxin –helps regulate the heart.
2) Vasodilators-a blood pressure medication that helps the heart pump stronger.
3) ACE/AR blockers- these medications block a hormone that makes the heart pump stronger and
more efficiently.
4) Diuretics- water pills that reduce the swelling that occurs when the heart is not pumping
properly.
What are some things to do to help support your heart health – Regular exercise; stop smoking; limit
your alcohol consumption to just 2 drinks a week; limit your caffeine, restrict your salt intake, restrict
the amounts of fluids you drink; control high blood pressure and high cholesterol; monitor your weight;
manage stress levels; see your cardiologist, and stay on your prescribed meds.
Once your condition worsens, the fluids that build up in your body keep the pills from working and you
will probably have to be hospitalized to receive your medication intravenously.
Teresa Coggins, RN