Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Signature Health Services can assist you with CHF needs at home

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and how we care for it

What is Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)?

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), heart failure — sometimes known as congestive heart failure — occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath and other symptoms (see below, under Symptoms)

How common is CHF?

The Mayo Clinic estimates that 5.8 million people in the United States have CHF. CHF is one of the most common reasons those aged 65 and over are hospitalized.

What causes CHF?

Certain heart conditions, such as narrowed arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure, gradually leave the heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump blood properly.
Any of the following conditions can damage or weaken your heart and can cause heart failure. Some of these can be present without your knowing it:

Conditions	Description
Coronary artery disease and heart attack	Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease and the most common cause of heart failure. The disease results from the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries, which reduces blood flow and can lead to heart attack. A heart attack occurs suddenly when a coronary artery becomes completely blocked. Damage to your heart muscle from a heart attack may mean that your heart can no longer pump as well as it should.
High blood pressure	If your blood pressure is high, your heart has to work harder than it should to circulate blood throughout your body. Over time, this extra exertion can make your heart muscle too stiff or too weak to properly pump blood.
Faulty heart valves	The valves of the heart keep blood flowing in the proper direction. A damaged valve — due to a heart defect, coronary artery disease or heart infection — forces the heart to work harder, which can weaken it over time.
Damage to the heart muscle	Heart muscle damage can have many causes, including certain diseases, infection, heavy alcohol use, and the toxic effect of drugs, such as cocaine or some drugs used for chemotherapy. Genetic factors also can play a role.
Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)	Myocarditis is most commonly caused by a virus, including the COVID-19 virus, and can lead to left-sided heart failure.
A heart problem that you’re born with (congenital heart defect)	If your heart and its chambers or valves haven’t formed correctly, the healthy parts of your heart have to work harder to pump blood, which may lead to heart failure.
Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)	Abnormal heart rhythms may cause your heart to beat too fast, creating extra work for your heart. A slow heartbeat also may lead to heart failure.
Other diseases	Long-term diseases — such as diabetes, HIV, an overactive or underactive thyroid, or a buildup of iron or protein — also may contribute to chronic heart failure.

Causes of sudden (acute) heart failure also include:

Allergic reactions
Any illness that affects the whole body
Blood clots in the lungs
Severe infections
Use of certain medications
Viruses that attack the heart muscle

How to decrease chances of CHF?

The AHA concludes that proper treatment can improve the signs and symptoms of heart failure and may help some people live longer. Lifestyle changes — such as losing weight, exercising, reducing salt (sodium) in your diet and managing stress — can improve your quality of life. However, heart failure can be life-threatening. People with heart failure may have severe symptoms, and some may need a heart transplant or a ventricular assist device (VAD).

One way to prevent heart failure is to prevent and control conditions that can cause it, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

Is CHF curable?

No, but lifestyle changes and medications offer treatment and hope. See below for discussion of: What is the outlook for CHF patients? →

What are CHF symptoms?

Heart failure can be ongoing (chronic), or it may start suddenly (acute).

Heart failure signs and symptoms may include:

Shortness of breath with activity or when lying down
Fatigue and weakness
Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Reduced ability to exercise
Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged mucus
Swelling of the belly area (abdomen)
Very rapid weight gain from fluid buildup
Nausea and lack of appetite
Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
Chest pain if heart failure is caused by a heart attack

Differences between CHF in women and men?

Men have a higher incidence of heart failure, but the overall prevalence rate is similar in both sexes, since women survive longer after the onset of heart failure. Women tend to be older when diagnosed with heart failure and more often have diastolic dysfunction than men.

What are some tests to determine a CHF diagnosis?

Diagnostic tests for congestive heart failure may include:

Resting or exercise electrocardiogram (also known as EKG, ECG, or stress test)
Echocardiogram.
Computed tomography (CT) scan.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan.
Biopsy or catheterization of the heart and arteries.

What are the four stages of CHF?

Stage	Description	The Mayo Clinic Potential Treatment Plan
A	Stage A is considered pre-heart failure. It means you are at high risk of developing heart failure because you have a family history of heart failure or you have one or more of these medical conditions: hypertension coronary artery disease diabetes metabolic syndrome family history of cardiomyopathy history of rheumatic fever history of alcohol abuse history of taking drugs that can damage the heart muscle, such as some cancer drugs	The usual treatment plan for patients with Stage A heart failure is primary prevention which includes: regular exercise, being active, walking every day quitting smoking treatment for high blood pressure (medication, low-sodium diet, active lifestyle) treatment for high cholesterol not drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs medications for an underlying cause such as diabetes
B	Stage B is considered to be asymptomatic or silent heart failure. It means you have been diagnosed with systolic left ventricular dysfunction but have never had symptoms of heart failure. Most people with Stage B heart failure have an echocardiogram (echo) that shows an ejection fraction (EF) of 40 per cent or less. This category includes people who have heart failure and reduced EF (HF rEF) due to any cause.	The usual treatment plan for patients with Stage B heart failure includes: treatments listed in Stage A angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) beta-blocker if you have had a heart attack and your ejection fraction (EF) is 40% or lower aldosterone antagonist if you have had a heart attack or if you have diabetes and an EF of 35% or less (to reduce the risk of your heart muscle getting bigger and pumping poorly). SGLT2 inhibitor medication possible surgery or intervention as a treatment for coronary artery blockage, heart attack, or valve disease
C	Patients with stage C heart failure have been diagnosed with heart failure and have (currently) or had (previously) signs and symptoms.	The usual treatment plan for patients with Stage C HF-rEF includes: treatments listed in Stages A and B ACE-I, ARB or angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor combination) Hydralazine/nitrate combination if other treatments don’t stop your symptoms. Patients who are African-American should take this medication (even if they are taking other vasodilator medications) if they have moderate-to-severe symptoms Medications that slow the heart rate if your heart rate is faster than 70 beats per minute and you still have symptoms despite beta-blocker diuretic (“water pill”) may be prescribed if symptoms continue restrict sodium (salt) in your diet keep track of your weight every day to assess for fluid retention possible fluid restriction possible cardiac resynchronisation therapy (biventricular pacemaker) possible implantable cardiac defibrillator (lCD) therapy
D	Patients with Stage D have advanced symptoms that do not get better with treatment. This is the final stage of heart failure. They are likely to show symptoms on mild or minimal exertion or at rest.	The usual treatment plan for patients with Stage D heart failure includes: Treatments listed in Stages A, B and C Evaluation for more advanced treatment options, including heart transplant, ventricular assist devices, heart surgery, continuous infusion of intravenous inotropic drugs, palliative or hospice care or research therapies

What is the difference between left-sided, right-sided, and other types of heart failure according to the AHA??

Left-sided heart failure

Fluid may back up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath.

Right-sided heart failure

Fluid may back up into the abdomen, legs and feet, causing swelling.

Systolic heart failure (also called heart failure with reduced ejection fraction)

The left ventricle can't contract vigorously, indicating a pumping problem.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

The left ventricle can't relax or fill fully, indicating a filling problem.

How does CHF affect quality of life?

Patients with heart failure experience various physical and emotional symptoms such as dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing), fatigue, edema, sleeping difficulties, depression, and chest pain. These symptoms limit patients’ daily physical and social activities and result in poor quality of life (QOL). Poor QOL is related to high hospitalization and mortality rates.

What is the outlook for CHF patients?

- Generally, between 50% and 75% of people die within 5 years of being diagnosed with Chronic Heart Failure (CHF).

<>So yes, it’s serious. But although there’s no cure, it isn’t hopeless. People can function with the condition.

One way to prevent heart failure is to prevent and control conditions that can cause it, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity
Exercise of any type, duration, frequency, intensity, or supervision level may lead to large improvements in both physical functioning and quality of life in people with CHF.
Heart failure can range from mild to severe. Most often, the symptoms can be controlled with medicines, rest, and diet. When heart failure symptoms are found early and treatment is started, a person with heart failure can lead a more normal life.

How is CHF treated?

Treatment for heart failure usually aims to control the symptoms for as long as possible and slow down the progression of the condition. Treatment will usually be needed for life.
All heart failure patients will need:

Lifestyle changes – including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and stopping smoking and watching fluid intake and reduce alcohol consumption.
Medicine – a range of medicines can help; many people need to take three to four different types which have evidence to show they strengthen the heart and improve prognosis. This includes beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARNI and SGLT2 inhibitors. Other medicines, such as diuretics, may be used to help with the symptoms.

In cases where patients are seen to be experiencing continued deteriorating heart function despite the best and optimal medication, the following may be considered:

Cardiac resynchronizing therapy – In very severe heart failure conditions, a specialized type of pacemaker has shown to benefit and improve symptoms as well as prolonging life by resynchronising the contractility of the two main pumping chambers of the heart.
Cardiac transplant – If there is no scope for recovery and the condition deteriorates then in suitable patients, a heart transplant may be considered.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you think you might be experiencing signs or symptoms of heart failure. Call 911 or emergency medical help if you have any of the following:

Chest pain
Fainting or severe weakness
Rapid or irregular heartbeat associated with shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting
Sudden, severe shortness of breath and coughing up white or pink, foamy mucus

Although these signs and symptoms may be due to heart failure, there are many other possible causes, including other life-threatening heart and lung conditions. Don’t try to diagnose yourself.

Emergency room doctors will try to stabilize your condition and determine if your symptoms are due to heart failure or something else.

If you have a diagnosis of heart failure and if any of the symptoms suddenly become worse or you develop a new sign or symptom, it may mean that existing heart failure is getting worse or not responding to treatment. This may also be the case if you gain 5 pounds or more within a few days. Contact your doctor promptly.

What is the cost of CHF treatment in Houston, TX?

The cost of home health care, including skilled nursing care and at-home and licensed physical therapists at home, is typically covered 100% by Medicare or your Medicare substitute insurance.

What do I do to get started with CHF treatments?

Visit your doctor and obtain a plan of care that includes home health services.

What makes Signatures Health Services’ approach unique compared to other facilities?

Signature Health Services has treated thousands of patients with CHF for more than 25 years. Signature has developed expertise in teaching patients how to cope with the physical and emotional demands of CHF and its treatment. Signature comes to you and treats you in the comfort of your own home, helping you regain functional independence and self-dignity. We personalize your treatment plan and help you understand CHF with an easy to follow booklet and specialized education, along with providing medication education and management. Signature is rated 4.5 stars for the best in quality of patient care. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services recently awarded Signature a 100% Compliance score for meeting or exceeding all federal and State home health care requirements.

How can a Signature nurse help me better manage my CHF?

Your specially trained, skilled, and caring Signature nurse can help you in many ways, including the following:

Customize a personal treatment plan and teach you about CHF and its symptoms
Assist you with keeping a log of daily weigh-ins
Explain your medications, keep you on a regular medication schedule, and monitor you –and seek treatment– for any side-effects
Help you plan and conserve your energy, including by assisting with everyday tasks
Teach you strategies to cope with and relieve stress
Assist you with bathing, grooming, and dressing and help you self-manage these tasks with the use of specialty devices
Teach you breathing techniques and comfort measures for better breathing
Teach you how to read food labels to help you reduce your sodium intake and reduce your consumption of processed food containing sodium
Monitor your condition and teach you about warning signs of a worsening condition
Coordinate and monitor your plan of care, collaborating with your doctors and pharmacists to simply and advance treatment

Signature’s licensed physical therapists can assist you with a customized exercise schedule and specific instructions, guidance, and motivation at home.