Taking it to Heart: Caring for Someone with Congestive Heart Failure

HCC Blog Featured Image CHF

When you love someone, it can be hard to hear they may have (or are at risk for) Congestive Heart Failure. But before you panic, it’s best to be informed. Knowledge can help your loved one understand this condition if they have it—and knowledge can encourage those at risk to adjust their lifestyle to prevent it from happening in the future.

This article will help you understand Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and cover common medications and lifestyle changes that can help your loved one successfully live with this condition.

An important thing to remember is how much you can help them just by being there for them. By cultivating a connection of care and love, you can help them heal in ways that their doctors will see but may not be able to quantify. Providing your loved one with emotional support and care will always be the best medicine you can give, no matter the condition.

Up to 6 Million Americans live with CHF. With treatment and lifestyle changes, many patients can enjoy life with this chronic condition, and many can restore themselves to better health.

Q&A with the experts

Here, we address many questions you may have and offer a deeper dive into CHF and how you can help your loved one get the care they need.

Q: What exactly is CHF?

A: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently to meet the body’s needs. This inefficiency can lead to congestion or fluid buildup in the ankles, feet, arms, lungs, and other organs.

Q: What causes CHF?

A: There is more than one reason someone may suffer from CHF. They include:

  • Coronary artery disease: often caused by cholesterol, a waxy substance that builds up inside the lining of the coronary arteries, forming plaque
  • High blood pressure (hypertension): often caused by high levels of stress or stress-related habits such as overeating, using tobacco, or excessively drinking alcohol
  • Damaged heart muscle (cardiomyopathy): most types of cardiomyopathy can be caused by an inherited genetic issue, a viral infection in the heart, and more rarely by some types of chemotherapy used in cancer treatment
  • Heart valve problems: often caused by a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, smoking, and obesity
  • Congenital heart defects: often present at birth due to a variety of issues
  • Heart infections: types of heart infections are endocarditis, myocarditis and pericarditis.
  • Diabetes: People with Type 2 diabetes often have CHF.

Q: How do healthcare professionals treat CHF?

A: Treatment can include:

  • Managing underlying conditions (such as hypertension and diabetes)
  • Offering diuretics (also known as water pills)  to help reduce fluid buildup in the body
  • Prescribing medications like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers to improve their heart function.
    • Three of the most commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors are Lisinopril (Zestril, Qbrelis), benazepril (Lotensin), and enalapril (Vasotec, Epaned)
    • Common beta-blockers used to treat CHF are Bisoprolol (Zebeta) Carvedilol (Coreg), Metoprolol (Toprol)
  • Performing coronary angioplasty, valve repair, or other surgical procedures when needed
  • Mitigating healthy lifestyle changes such as a restricted diet, promoting more exercise, and helping with smoking cessation techniques

Q: Can CHF happen to older adults who are not overweight and lead a healthy lifestyle?

A: Unfortunately, the answer is yes. As we all know, life offers few guarantees. CHF occurs when the heart’s ability to pump blood is impaired due to structural or functional abnormalities. It can happen to seemingly healthy older adults, even those who live a healthy lifestyle— particularly if they have been born with a genetic predisposition that makes them more vulnerable to heart issues and disease. A viral infection that reaches the heart can also cause CHF.

Q: How can I best help my loved one with CHF?

  • Make sure they take their prescribed medications
  • Ask them to monitor and report any side effects
  • Help them enjoy a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention
  • Ensure they partake in a regular exercise routine within the limits set by their care team

6 common symptoms to look out for

If you are concerned that your older loved one may suffer from CHF, take a look at this list of common symptoms:

  1. Shortness of breath during activity or at rest
  2. They report feeling tired or weak
  3. You notice swollen legs, ankles, feet, or even abdomen
  4. They are feeling a rapid or irregular heartbeat
  5. You notice a cough or wheezing that won’t go away, often accompanied by a white or pink-tinged phlegm
  6. They have trouble moving or exercising
Heart Failure Graphic
heart-failure.net

Q: How may my loved one’s life change once diagnosed with CHF?

A: Living with CHF may involve:

  • More frequent medical appointments and monitoring
  • Changes to their diet and medication
  • Adjustments in physical activity and daily routines
  • Emotional support to help them deal with this diagnosis and lifestyle change

While CHF is a chronic condition that people live with, early diagnosis, treatment, and intervention will help improve their heart function,  reduce symptoms, and give them the resources they need to enjoy life with their condition.

Support from family and friends is also a secret weapon you can wield against CHF and other chronic conditions. Be there to support them in every way you can. If you need backup support or help, contact Home Care Connectors to discuss how we can become a part of the solution as you help your loved one live with CHF.

Sources:

Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)www.cdc.gov

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Heart failure website https://heart-failure.net/infographic/2020-america

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