HEART FAILUREcare
CHF; Congestive heart failure; Left-sided heart failure; Right-sided heart failure - Cor pulmonale; Cardiomyopathy - heart failure. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the rest of the body. Heart failure is present when:
- Your heart muscle cannot pump (eject) the blood out of the heart very well. This is called systolic heart failure.
- Your heart muscles are stiff and do not fill up with blood easily. This is called diastolic heart failure.
Both of these problems mean the heart is no longer able to pump enough oxygen-rich blood out to the rest of your body, especially when you exercise or are active.
As the heart's pumping action is lost, blood may back up in other areas of the body. Fluid builds up in the lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and the arms and legs. This is called congestive heart failure.
The most common cause of heart failure is coronary artery disease (CAD), a narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart.
Heart failure can also occur when an infection weakens the heart muscle. This condition is called cardiomyopathy.
Other heart problems that may cause heart failure are:
- Congenital heart disease
- Heart attack
- Heart valve disease
- Some types of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Other diseases that can cause or contribute to heart failure:
- Emphysema
- Overactive thyroid
- Severe anemia
- Underactive thyroid
Symptoms
Symptoms of heart failure often begin slowly. At first, they may only occur when you are very active. Over time, you may notice breathing problems and other symptoms even when you are resting. Heart failure symptoms may also begin suddenly; for example, after a heart attack or other heart problem. Common symptoms are:
- Cough
- Fatigue, weakness, faintness
- Loss of appetite
- Need to urinate at night
- Pulse that feels fast or irregular, or a sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
- Shortness of breath when you are active or after you lie down
- Swollen (enlarged) liver or abdomen
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Waking up from sleep after a couple of hours due to shortness of breath
- Weight gain
The Omega Health Care team are experts in treating patients with heart disease allowing our patients to experience comfort and the best quality of life possible. We develop individualized plans of care. As the disease progresses we design plans that address common problems associated with heart disease:
- pain
- hydration
- nutrition
- skin care
- recurrent infections
- agitation
We care for patients wherever they call home whether in their own home, a caregiver's home, a long term care facility or an assisted living community.
We will coordinate the individualized plan of care with the advice and consent of the patient's physician. The case manager will ensure that information flows between all physicians, nurses, social workers, aides, volunteers, and, if appropriate, clergy.
We will supply all medications, medical supplies and medical equipment related to the diagnosis to ensure patients have everything they need.
We will support the patient as well as the family emotionally and spiritually providing the resources to help both maintain their emotional and spiritual well-being.
We will train the caregiver on how to provide basic care to ensure the patient is comfortable and safe in the home. As the patient gets weaker, symptoms increase and communication becomes more difficult, we educate on how to best continue care.
Contact Us
If you would like more information on Heart Disease Care you may submit the online form, contact the local office (locations) or call the corporate at (877) 275-7085 and ask for your care team.
If you are a physician and need to contact us you may submit the referral form, contact the local office (locations) or call the corporate at (877) 275-7085 and ask for your admission team.
Thank you for allowing us to serve you!