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Nomal Dosage

Take Care:

• CHF can usually be treated with the following:

Medicine that helps your heart beat stronger

Medicine that removes extra fluid in your lungs and body.

Oxygen to help you breath easier.

• Tests and treatments in the hospital (blood tests, x-rays or breathing treatments).

The following are other things you can do to feel better:

• Exercise when your caregiver says it is OK.

Quit smoking.

• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Avoid or limit caffeine.

• Watch your weight

Eat low salt and low fat foods.

Rest when you need it.

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it?  Congestive (kun-jes-tiv) heart failure is called CHF or heart failure.  It occurs when the heart muscles is weak and has trouble pumping out blood.  Fluid collects in the lungs, or other parts of the body.  This is because the heart is not pumping as well as it should.  This causes your body not to get enough oxygen-rich blood to keep you healthy and strong.  CHF starts slowly and gets worse overtime.  Heart failure is moiré common in older people than younger people.

Causes: A heart attack, heart disease, or high blood pressure may cause CHF.  Other causes may be heart valve problems, or heart muscle disease.  Narrowed arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle can cause CHF.  Some medicines and lung or thyroid disease may also cause CHF.

Signs and Symptoms: You may have trouble breathing that is worse during exercise or when lying down.  Other signs may be edema (swelling) in your ankles, legs, or abdomen.  You may be feel restless, tired, or weak.  You may gain weight, not want to eat, or have a dry cough that does not go away.

• Stay indoors if the weather is very hot or very cold.  Your heart works harder in these temperatures.

Support:

• CHF is a life-changing disease for you and your family.  Accepting that you have CHF is hard.  You and those close to may feel angry, sad, or frightened.  These feelings are normal.  Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends.  Let them help you.  Encourage those close to you to talk to your caregiver about how things are at home.  Your caregiver can help your family better understand how to support a person with CHF.

• Ask your health care provider if they know about books that you can read.  Reading about your illness can help you better understand how to live with it.  You may also want to join a support group.  This is a group of people who also have CHF.  Ask your caregiver for the names and numbers of support groups in your town.  You can also contact one of the following national organizations for more information.