Treating Congestive Heart Failure
Heart failure is the result of the heart becoming unable to pump blood all through the body. When the blood doesn't circulate correctly then the tissues are deprived of the oxygen and nutrients they need so they begin excreting fluids into the blood pools and the urine. This causes edema and fluid accumulates in the organs and veins.
Swelling in the organs and extremities places a huge amount of stress on the heart as fluids build up in the pleural cavity. This causes breathing difficulties, or dyspnea, which is one of the major symptoms of congestive heart failure. The lack of oxygen and nutrients, in addition to the swelling, can cause permanent damage to the organs, providing a grim prognosis.
There is no cure for congestive heart failure but doctors do everything they can to help the patients live longer and lead productive, though limited lifestyles by treating the symptoms.
There are several steps to treating a patient who has experienced heart failure. The first step is to administer oxygen to restore the proper levels of oxygen to the tissues. A pulse oximeter placed on the finger to monitor the blood oxygen levels.
Next the fluid levels will be treated through the use of diuretics. These medications help rid the body of excess fluids through the urinary tract. Often doctors treat the patients with potassium supplements while on diuretics to replace the loss of potassium caused by the diuretics. Lack of potassium can cause muscle weakness, paralysis or even fatal cardiac arrhythmia. Nitrates are also given to the patient to dilate the blood vessels, allowing the blood to flow evenly which reduces the strain on the heart.
Once these levels are safe enough the patients may be discharged and place on a regiment of diuretics and an ACE inhibitor which prohibits the body from forming angiotensin, a substance that causes blood vessel restriction and increases blood pressure. A patient who continues to produce this substance may also be placed on an angiotensin II receptor blocker. Vasodilators, such as Nitroglycerin, may be prescribed instead of ACE inhibitors if the patient has a history of not responding well to the ACE inhibitors.
Other treatments may include beta blockers or Digitalis or Digoxin. Beta blockers prevent the heart from beating too fast when it tries to make up for the impaired movement of blood through the body which stresses the weakened muscle. Digitalis is used to strengthen heart contractions which helps push the blood throughout the body.
Coumadin and heparin are used to thin the blood and prevents blood clots. Since patients who take these medications bleed easily, they should have coagulation tests on a regular basis.
It is imperative that congestive heart failure patients monitor their lifestyles daily. They need to take their medications on time, eat healthy foods, refrain from smoking and other unhealthy habits, and dodge to the flu and similar viruses. Get plenty of rest at night and during the day so the heart has a chance to slow down and relax. Wear loose fitting clothes avoid extreme hot and cold temperature exposure and keep the body at the appropriate temperature. Get an annual flu shot and get pneumonia shots as often as the doctor recommends.
The doctor may or may not prescribe cardiac rehab or some other exercise routine as well as a strict diet. His treatment can be more effective and benefit you better if you do what he tells you. Family members should also realize this and help out as much as possible.
Get more information about developing a healthy heart.
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