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What is heart failure?

Your body’s cells need oxygen-rich blood to function properly. Heart failure occurs when the heart is not pumping the way it should. This prevents proper blood flow to meet your body’s needs.

What causes heart failure?

Heart failure can develop at any age. It can happen after a heart-damaging condition or injury, like a heart attack, or due to long-term medical conditions. You’re at a higher risk for developing heart failure if you:

• Are 65 or older
• Smoke
• Are overweight
• Have a family history of heart disease
• Have impactful habits, such as a high-fat or -sodium diet, inactive lifestyle or a substance use disorder

What are the signs and symptoms of heart failure?

Symptoms of heart failure include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue, even after rest
• Fluid retention in ankles, legs and abdomen
• Coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent urination

Heart failure patients’ symptoms can range from very mild to extreme. A thorough exam and tests performed by a physician can provide a diagnosis.

Can patients with heart failure receive care at home?

Every heart failure patient is different. However, many patients can manage their illness with the assistance of in-home care.

What are the benefits of in-home care for heart failure patients?

Patients often prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own home. This allows them to develop routines and habits to manage their illness with the additional support of healthcare professionals. For example, a home care nurse can assist with a medication regimen to help the patient locate and take their meds appropriately.

The home care team can provide in-home therapies, nursing care, assistance with daily activities and family caregiver education to help patients remain independent and comfortable in their home environment.

How does É«É«ÊÓƵ help patients with heart failure?

É«É«ÊÓƵ has heart failure-specific programs for both skilled home health and hospice patients.

The skilled home health care for heart failure program focuses on self-assessment, heart failure disease management and wellness. We provide an added layer of support with our telehealth program that provides equipment to supplement direct patient care and promote conversation, interaction and learning opportunities between patient and clinician.

The hospice care plan for heart disease is individualized to each patient. É«É«ÊÓƵ’s Advanced Heart Failure program is a congestive heart failure management partnership designed to equip hospice patients to successfully manage their unique cardiac diagnosis needs.

How do I learn more information about É«É«ÊÓƵ’s heart failure programs?

Contact your local É«É«ÊÓƵ branch for more information about services.

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