What Is
Explain the role of the heart
The heart is a muscle that pumps blood continuously through the body. Blood circulates to provide nutrients and oxygen to the entire body.
What is the function and analogy for Diuretics?
Helps remove excess fluid in the body
Analogy: The bucket and tub or the sponge
What are key symptoms of CHF that patient should be aware of and report immediately?
Worsening SOB
Sudden or daily increases in weight gain
Increased swelling
Trouble sleeping
Frequent dry cough
What triggers can exacerbate CHF symptoms?
Large amounts of fluid intake, large amounts of salt intake, weight gain/obesity, lack of physical activity, medication non-adherence, drinking alcohol, smoking, COPD, Obstructive sleep apnea
What are some tips for fluid control?
Chew on ice
Keep the home well humidified
Rinse your mouth with mouthwash
Measure out fluids allowed for the day
Explain Ejection Fraction
The percentage of blood the heart can pump with each beat
What is the function and analogy for Beta Blockers?
Slows down the heart rate
Analogy: The donkey and sandbags or the man trying to pump water
How would you respond to your patient who recognizes worsening CHF symptoms and is now in the yellow zone of their CHF symptom tracker?
Contact your doctor immediately, early intervention can prevent CHF complications.
How would you explain the importance of vaccination to your patients with CHF?
People with CHF have a weaker heart which makes it harder for their body to fight infection.
Vaccines help prevent severe illnesses and life-threatening complications
Vaccines have been shown to significantly reduce hospitalizations in people with heart disease.
What is the daily limit of sodium the AHA recommends for people with mild HF? What are some tips for limiting sodium intake?
AHA recommends 1500mg daily
Read food labels to choose low-sodium options.
Be cautious with processed and restaurant foods, which often contain high sodium levels.
Avoid adding salt to your meals and use herbs and spices for flavor.
Keep track of how much sodium and water you take in daily. Make sure you are staying within the limits your doctor recommends.
What test help to diagnoses heart failure by looking at its size, shape, pumping ability, valves and ejection fraction?
echo
What is the function and analogy of an ACE Inhibitor/Vasodilator?
Widens the blood vessels
Analogy: A Straw
Explain why it is important for a patient with CHF to monitor their sodium and fluid intake.
To help prevent fluid buildup, which can ease the workload of the heart.
What other medical conditions are important to manage to prevent heart failure from worsening?
Diabetes
COPD
OSA
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
What are some tips to help improve sleep?
Use pillow to help prop up the head
Avoid naps and big meals, caffeine, and alcohol right before bedtime
Patients should talk to their doctor about the timing of their diuretic if it is causing them to wake up several time to urinate.
Have your patient talk to their doctor if they are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea.
Explain what Heart Failure is.
A chronic condition in which the heart muscle has become weaker or stiffer than normal.
The heart in unable to pump enough blood and oxygen to meet the body's need.
What is the function and analogy for a Digitalis/Digoxin?
Helps the heart to refill with blood and pump harder
Analogy: A large muscle person pumping water
What specific instruction would you give to your patient to ensure they understand how to properly monitor their weight?
Instructions: “Weigh yourself at the same time each morning, after using the bathroom and before eating and drinking. Use the same scale and wear similar or no clothing each time. Record your weight and report any gain of 2-3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week to your healthcare provider.”
How does smoking effect the heart?
Increase strain on your heart
Reduce Oxygen supply
Increased risk of blood clots
Increase plaque buildup (atherosclerosis)
Worsening HF symptoms
What are some tips to help your patient exercise safely?
Cardiac Rehab program
Do not exercise when experience CHF symptoms like SOB, exhaustion, chest pain, pain)
Watch for signs of overexertion
Avoid heavy lifting
Balance your activity with rest
Explain the difference between Systolic HF and Diastolic HF.
Systolic HF: The heart muscle becomes weaker and enlarged and cannot contract or pump well.
Diastolic HF: The heart muscle becomes stiffer and cannot relax between beats, which keeps it from filling with enough blood
Why is it important to take all CHF medications even if blood pressure is normal?
CHF medications work together not only to keep blood pressure normal but to strengthen the heart and slow down the progression of CHF as well as:
Reducing hospitalization
Reducing symptoms
Improved quality of life
How would you explain the importance of daily weight monitoring to your patient with CHF?
Explanation: “Monitoring your weight daily helps us catch any sudden weight gain, which can indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure.”
How could you support your patient in reducing each trigger that worsen CHF symptoms?
Excessive fluid - Tips for limiting fluid and foods that are considered fluids
Excessive salt - low-sodium diet and hidden sources
Sedentary - info on cardiac rehab and exercise safety
Medication non-adherence - discuss solutions to help overcome barriers to taking medications
Alcohol - a plan to limit alcohol
Smoking - smoking cessation resources
Uncontrolled COPD - health coaching for COPD
Uncontrolled Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Schedule doctor's appointment
CHF can be a challenging condition to manage emotionally. What strategies could you use to provide emotional support to your patient dealing with CHF?
Use active listening and validate their feelings. Discuss restorative sleep. Connect them with support groups or counseling services. Encourage open communication about their concerns and fears.