Living with chf online

• 1. Living with CHF From:Your Community Paramedics

2. Objectives How CHF(Congestive Heart Failure)works Medication Compliance How your Medication help Signs and Symptoms of CHF Frequently asked questions 3. Pathophysiology of CHFCongestive Heart Failure or CHF is acondition in which the heart is unableto adequately pump enough blood tothe body to meet the bodys needs. 4. Pathophysiology of CHFThe heart is dividedinto two sides, theright side & the leftside. 5. Pathophysiology of CHF Coronary ArteryDisease Viral InfectionsThere are many Toxinsdiseases that may Heart Valveaffect the ability of Disordersthe heart to pump High Blood Pressureblood. Over active Thyroid Heart Attack 6. Pathophysiology of CHFWith left side heartfailure, the mostcommon form ofheart failure, youmay see shortnessof breath due to aback up of fluids inthe lungs 7. Monitoring ComplianceIn the words of C. Everett Koop,former Surgeon General, A drug cantwork if youre not taking it 8. Monitoring ComplianceNoncompliance is one of the biggestissues in health care today and, inpatients with congestive Heartfailure(CHF), compliance is critical tokeep their cardiovascular system inbalance 9. Monitoring ComplianceIt is important to identify the reasonan individual fails to take a medicationso the root of the problem can beidentified and addressedHow can care takers help? 10. Monitoring ComplianceThe CommunityA. Identifying non-Paramedic can helpcompliance.with MedicationB. Identifying reasonsCompliance. patients are nottaking medication C. Providing educationresources D. Setting upcomplianceprograms 11. CHF and Your MedicationsThe purpose of Heart Failuremedications is to make you feel betterand to treat the disease that is causingyou to feel bad. 12. Main CHF Medications ACE (angiotensin-convertingenzyme) inhibitors Beta Blockers Digoxin Isorbide dinitrate/hydralazine Diuretics (water pills) 13. Goal of Medicating CHF The goal is todecrease theafterload The goal todecrease thecardiac output andstroke volume The goal todecrease thepreload 14. CHF and Your MedicationsImportant Things to Remember Get yourmedications fromone pharmacy. Store all medicationsin original containersaway from heat andlight and asdirected. Carry a list of yourmedications in yourwallet or purse. Usethe UniversalMedication Form. 15. CHF and Your MedicationsImportant Things to Remember Take all your medications as directed by your doctor. Try to take your medications at the same time everyday. If you miss a dose, do not take two doses at once. If you cannot take your medications, call your doctorimmediately. Do not stop any medications without your doctorsinstructions. Do not take any over-the-countermedicines, herbals, home remedies or vitaminswithout asking your doctor or pharmacist. They mayinterfere with your medications or make your CHFworse. 16. CHF Signs and SymptomsHeart failure can be chronic meaning yourcondition is ongoing or acute, meaning yourcondition has started suddenly 17. Chronic vs. Acute Signs andSymptomsChronic Heart FailureAcute Heart Failure Shortness of breath Symptoms similar to those Fatigueof chronic heart failure, but Swelling in your Lower limbs more severe and start or Rapid or irregular heartbeat worsen suddenly Reduced ability to exercise Sudden fluid buildup Persistent cough or Rapid or irregularwheezing with white or pinkblood-tinged phlegmheartbeat (palpitations) Swelling of your abdomen Sudden, severe shortness Sudden weight gain fromof breath and coughing upfluid retentionpink, foamy mucus Lack of appetite and nausea Chest pain, if your heart Difficulty concentrating failure is caused by a heart Decreased alertnessattack 18. When to see a DoctorSee your doctor if you experience any of the signs orsymptoms associated with heart failure.These include: Chest pain Fatigue and weakness Rapid or irregular heartbeat Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you exert yourself orwhen you lie down Reduced ability to exercise Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm Swelling in your abdomen, legs, ankles and feet Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness 19. Risk FactorsRisk factors include: High blood pressure Coronary artery disease Heart attack Irregular heartbeats Diabetes Some diabetes medications Sleep apnea Congenital heart defects Viruses Alcohol use Kidney conditions 20. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Congestive Heart Failure? Congestive heart failure occurs when your heart cannot pump enough blood toyour body.What causes Congestive Heart Failure? Heart failure is caused by damage to your heart muscle and how it functions.What types of activities are safe for someone with heart failure? Heart failure patients should coordinate their activity level with their physician.Depending on the severity of their heart failure and the presence of otherhealth conditions, patients can tolerate a range of activity levels.Walking, working out with light weights, stretching and other less strenuousactivities can help improve heart function in some patients. 21. Frequently Asked QuestionsIs heart failure the same as a heart attack? Being diagnosed with heart failure isnt the same as having a heart attack. The two conditions, though sometimes related (an earlier heart attack can lead to the muscle damage that is a precursor to heart failure) are completely different.How many people have heart failure? According to the American Heart Association, nearly five million Americans are living with heart failure, and there are almost 600,000 new cases diagnosed each year.Is there a cure for heart failure? While there is no specific cure for heart failure, the good news is that with proper medical care symptoms can be improved. What Is the Outlook for People With Heart Failure? If you have heart failure, your prognosis or outlook for the future will depend on how well your heart muscle is functioning, your symptoms, and how well you respond to and follow your treatment plan. With the right care, heart failure will not stop you from doing the things you enjoy. 22. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the side effects of some CHFmedications? Medicines used to treat your heart failure may causedizziness, low blood pressure, and kidney problems.The levels of potassium in your blood may change andlead to abnormal heartbeats. Your heart may beat toofast or too slow.When should I seek immediate help? You feel confused, dizzy, or lightheaded, and yourfingers or toes are cold and turning white or blue. You are coughing up pink and frothy, or bloodysputum, or you have a constant dry cough. Your heart is beating more than 120 times eachminute. 23. Summary What and how CHF(Congestive HeartFailure) works Community Paramedic assistedmedication Compliance How your Medications help with CHFsigns and symptoms Signs and Symptoms of CHF Acutevs Chronic 24. References PubMed.gov-US national library of medicinenational institutes of health United Health Group Company-PrescriptionSolutions www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-failure/DS00061To revisit this Power Point presentation go to:Universal Medication Form:http://www.lexmed.com/patients/admission/universal-medication-form.aspx 25. Have a good day!