Forsyth Medical Center 
Congestive Heart Failure
| Our Heart Failure Program is a comprehensive disease management program designed to help patients manage and live with heart failure. |
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What is congestive heart failure?
Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when the heart is unable to pump a normal blood flow within the body. When the pumping action is not strong enough, there is inadequate emptying of one or more chambers of the heart, which leads to a decrease in circulating blood. This can cause shortness of breath, swelling of the feet and legs, persistent coughing or a rapid heartbeat.
The best treatment of congestive heart failure is prevention of heart disease, and heart failure itself. The initial treatment is typically rest, restriction of salt (sodium), and medication to help the body get rid of excess water and sodium.
The best treatment of congestive heart failure is prevention of heart disease, and heart failure itself. The initial treatment is typically rest, restriction of salt (sodium), and medication to help the body get rid of excess water and sodium.
The Forsyth Heart Failure Program is a disease management program designed to help patients understand and manage heart failure.
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Causes of CHF
Many disease processes may lead to the development of congestive heart failure, including, but not limited to:
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- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Coronary artery disease (angina)
- Hypertension
- Valvular heart disease
- Pulmonary embolus
- Infection -- pericarditis, endocarditis, myocarditis
- Anemia
- Alcohol/drug-related problems
- Renal failure
Hospitalized Patients
Symptoms that require hospitalization include:
- Excessive weight gain, unrelieved by home diuretic therapy
- Chest pain
- Increasing shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Inability to sleep
What to expect in the hospital
- All liquid intake and outputs will be measured. Liquid intake may be limited.
- You will be weighed daily. This is a good measure of patient's fluid levels.
- Frequent drawing of blood to monitor critical electrolytes
- Chest x-rays
- Electrocardiogram or Cardiac catheterization, if required
Discharge
Once the patient has developed the ability to regulate his/her own medications and tolerate limited activities of daily living, he/she is usually discharged. However, a patient must continue to comply with his/her treatment plan at home.
We offer telephone follow-up for CHF patients, which involves a series of calls to patients to answer patients' questions, identify and treat problems, refer critical patients to their primary care physicians, and ensure that patients understand how to manage their conditions. If you would like more information, please see your physician.
We offer telephone follow-up for CHF patients, which involves a series of calls to patients to answer patients' questions, identify and treat problems, refer critical patients to their primary care physicians, and ensure that patients understand how to manage their conditions. If you would like more information, please see your physician.
Managing CHF
Continue all treatment started in the hospital at home according to discharge instructions.
Patients should weigh themselves daily and will be provided a Weight Tracker to assist in monitoring weight and remind them to record their weight. Your nurse will discuss fluid intake limits with you prior to discharge.
It is important for patients to follow diet instructions to limit sodium intake. Choose foods with less than 200 mg of sodium per serving. The lower the better.
Medications are an important part of the patient's treatment plan and following instructions is extremely important. If you have any questions about your medications, please ask your physician.
