CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE By: Sade Jordan Donisha Grier

Congestive Heart Failure is a condition in which the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the rest of the body. WHAT HAPPENS..? {PATHOPHYSIOLOGY}

 Shortness of breath with activity, or after lying down for a while.  Cough  Swelling of feet and ankles  Swelling of the abdomen  Weight gain  Irregular or rapid pulse  Difficulty sleeping  Loss of appetite SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

WHO GETS IT? Congestive heart failure is the most common reason for hospitalization among the elderly. More than three million Americans have congestive heart failure, and as the population ages the incidence of congestive heart failure is rising rapidly. Men are at higher risk than women. People of African descent are at higher risk and are more likely to die from congestive heart failure than Caucasians. A family history of early congestive heart failure caused by cardiomyopathies may be more likely to get it.

 Keep your blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol under control as recommended by your doctor. This may involve exercise, and medications.  Eat a heart-healthy diet low in salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol  Quit smoking, if you smoke  Lose weight, if you are overweight. PREVENTION

DIAGNOSED..!  Doctors can usually make a diagnosis of congestive heart failure based upon physical exam.  Diagnostic tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), an echocardiogram (cardiac echo), and cardiac catheterization.

TREATMENT..!  If you have heart failure, your doctor will monitor you closely. You will have follow up appointments at least every 3 to 6 months and tests to check your heart function.  Other important measures include: Take your medications as directed. Don’t smoke. Stay active. example, walk or ride a stationary bicycle. Your doctor can provide a safe and effective exercise plan based on your degree of heart failure. Lose weight if you are overweight. Get enough rest, including after exercise, eating, or other activities. This allows your heart to rest as well. Keep your feet elevated to decrease swelling.

 Heart failure is a serious disorder. It is usually a chronic illness, which may get worse with infection or other physical stress..!  The prognosis of patients with heart failure is generally poor; and in several series 50% of the patients with severe symptoms died within 12 months. In less severe heart failure, mortality approaches 50% in 3 to 4 years. WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS..?

SADE JORDAN && DONISHA GRIER