Instructions to the patient and the family regarding treatment of the condition of Congestive Heart Failure?

Answer 1

If you have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, treating this can weaken the symptoms related to condition and help your heart function more efficiently as well. Some physicians focus on solving the underlying cause of the problem by opening blocked arteries, controlling a rapid heartbeat, or even replacing or repairing diseased heart valves.

Related illnesses

At times, cardiologists also treat various conditions that may cause a patient's congestive heart failure to become worse, including thyroid problems, and anemia. Depending on their condition and prognosis, these are the methods most commonly used in treating congestive heart failure:

• Surgery may include heart valve replacement or repair, coronary bypass surgery, a heart transplant or myectomy, in which a portion of the septal muscle is removed to decrease the amount of blockage the patient is experiencing.
• Recommended medical devices in treating this condition include the ventricular assist device (VAD), cardiac pacemaker or internal cardiac defibrillator, which is used to shock the patient's heart into pumping more slowly and beating more effectively.
• Many medications are used in treating congestive heart failure to relieve patients' symptoms and increase their survival rate. Some are prescribed to prevent blocked arteries and improve circulation, lower blood pressure or prevent the formation of blood clots.

Hospitalization

At times, congestive heart failure becomes so severe that the patient most be hospitalized and monitored for a short time. When that happens, they may be given new medication to relieve their symptoms and help their heart pump more efficiently. Supplemental oxygen my also be required as part of their treatment, sometimes indefinitely.

Lifestyle changes

Certain adjustments can often relieve the patient's symptoms and keep the condition from worsening. The steps they are advised to take include limiting or reducing their consumption of alcohol and caffeine, regular exercise (preferably in cardiac rehabilitation program), eating a low-sodium, low-fat diet, controlling their weight, quitting smoking and keeping stress at a minimum.

Patients should also consult with their doctor before taking any medication. For example, common over-the-counter Arthritis medicines, including ibuprofen and naproxen, may cause the patient to retain fluid. That, combined with gaining weight, may mean that their heart condition is not being controlled properly.

Answer 2

Take your meds as prescribed. Weigh yourself daily. Check your ankles for edema and report any swelling. If you have any shortness of breath or wheezing, call your doctor ASAP.

Answer 3

Congestive heart failure is corrected via the use of CHF drugs and maintaining proper body fluid balance.