What is CHF?

Congestive heart failure (also called CHF or heart failure) occurs when the heart muscle weakens and can not pump enough blood to meet the body's demand. This results in fluid collection in the lungs, legs or other parts of the body. CHF typically starts slowly and worsens over time. It is more common in older people than younger people.

Causes

A heart attack, heart disease, or high blood pressure may cause CHF. Other causes of CHF may include heart valve problems, heart muscle disease, narrowed arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle and some medicines used to treat lung or thyroid disease.

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 feel restless, tired, or weak. You may gain weight, not want to eat, or have a dry cough that does not go away.

Wellness Recommendations

Rest. Quit smoking. Lose weight if you are overweight. Exercise when your caregiver says it is OK. Eat low salt food. Learn to control stress. Stay indoors during hot or cold weather as this may cause your heart to work harder.

Congestive Heart Failure Telemanagement

Mercy offers this free service to patients with CHF. Patients enrolled in the program, either by the hospital, their home health nurse, or their physician, are offered a unique education opportunity to enhance their quality of life by learning how to improve the work of the heart. They are taught how to recognize early heart failure warning signs, understand their medications, follow a low-sodium diet and monitor their weight. Our goal is to put the patient and their families in control of their congestive heart failure management.

For more information, call (865) 545-3500

Click here for more information on congestive heart failure.