K.N.O.W. Home Health - CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE (CHF)

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

💡 What Is Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is when your heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should. Blood and fluid can back up in your lungs, legs, or belly. This makes it hard for your body to get the oxygen and nutrients it needs.

There are two main types:

Systolic heart failure: The heart muscle is weak and can't pump blood out well.
Diastolic heart failure: The heart muscle is stiff and can’t relax or fill with blood properly.

Both types can cause similar symptoms and need medical care.

🧬 Causes of CHF

CHF can happen because of:

High blood pressure
Heart attacks
Heart valve problems
Irregular heartbeats (like atrial fibrillation)
Diabetes
Infections that affect the heart
Drinking too much alcohol
Kidney problems

🚨 Symptoms of CHF

Trouble breathing, especially when lying down
Swelling in your feet, legs, ankles, or belly
Feeling very tired or weak
Coughing or wheezing
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Weight gain from fluid buildup

💊 Treatment

CHF can’t be cured, but it can be controlled with:

Medicines: Water pills (diuretics), heart medications, and blood pressure medicine
Daily weight checks
Lifestyle changes (like eating healthier and avoiding salt)
Devices like pacemakers (if needed)

🍽️ Special Diet

Low salt (sodium) diet: Salt causes your body to hold water, making swelling and breathing problems worse.
Fluid restriction: Your doctor may limit how much liquid you drink each day.
Avoid canned, processed, or salty foods.
Do not add extra salt to your food.

⚖️ Daily Weighing

Weigh yourself every morning:

After using the bathroom
Before eating or drinking
In the same clothes
On the same scale
Write down your weight

Call your nurse or doctor if you gain 2–3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week.

⚠️ Special Precautions

Take your medications exactly as prescribed
Rest when you feel tired, but keep moving if your doctor says it’s okay
Stop smoking
Limit alcohol
Don’t skip doctor appointments

⚠️ Risks of CHF

If not treated properly, CHF can lead to:

Lung problems
Kidney damage
Irregular heartbeats
Hospital stays
Death

✅ How to Prevent Worsening CHF

Follow your low-salt and fluid limits
Take medicine daily
Weigh yourself every morning
Watch for symptoms like swelling or shortness of breath
Keep all doctor visits

📞 When to Call for Help

Call your home health nurse or doctor if:

You gain weight quickly (2–3 lbs in one day or 5 lbs in a week)
You notice more swelling in your legs, feet, or belly
You have more trouble breathing
You feel dizzy, weak, or very tired
You have a fast or irregular heartbeat

Call 911 or go to the Emergency Room if:

You have chest pain or pressure
You can’t breathe, even while sitting
You cough up pink, foamy mucus
You feel confused or faint

✅ Patient Homework/ASSESSMENT: 20 True or False Statements

True or False – Congestive Heart Failure means the heart stops beating completely.
True or False – CHF can be caused by high blood pressure or heart attacks.
True or False – In systolic heart failure, the heart is weak and can't pump well.
True or False – In diastolic heart failure, the heart is stiff and can't relax properly.
True or False – Swelling in the feet or belly can be a symptom of CHF.
True or False – It is okay to skip your heart medicine once in a while.
True or False – You should weigh yourself every morning using the same routine.
True or False – Gaining 2–3 pounds in a day may be a warning sign of CHF getting worse.
True or False – A low salt diet helps reduce fluid buildup in your body.
True or False – CHF patients should drink as much fluid as possible every day.
True or False – Pink, foamy mucus is a reason to go to the emergency room.
True or False – CHF is not dangerous if you feel okay most of the time.
True or False – You should call your doctor if you notice more swelling in your legs.
True or False – Taking your medication daily helps control CHF.
True or False – It’s fine to eat salty snacks if you feel good.
True or False – CHF can lead to kidney damage and other serious problems.
True or False – You should rest all day and avoid all activity if you have CHF.
True or False – Your doctor may allow light exercise for CHF if it's safe.
True or False – Weighing yourself only once a week is enough to catch fluid problems.
True or False – Going to all your doctor visits is important for managing CHF.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:

“Have you noticed any new or worsening swelling in your feet, ankles, or abdomen, or more shortness of breath than usual?”

Activity Impact/SAFETY:

“Do you feel safe doing your normal daily activities, or do you get dizzy, weak, or short of breath when trying to move around?”

Treatment Adherence:

“How are you managing with taking your prescribed heart medications and following the recommended low-salt diet each day?”

Preventive Measures:

“Are you weighing yourself daily and keeping track of your fluid intake to help catch early signs of fluid buildup?”