Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure or CHF, is a serious condition in which the heart cannot pump sufficient blood and oxygen to meet the body’s needs. Various factors, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes, can cause it. As a result, people with CHF may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and ankles, and they may be at an increased risk of hospitalization and death.

The Stages of CHF

CHF progresses in 4 general stages. Knowing the progression for each stage can help patients and their families manage their condition and understand when Home Health, Hospice Care, and Caregiver Services can help.

Stage A – During the first stage of CHF, patients may be asymptomatic but determined to have weakness in their heart muscle. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor symptoms for high-risk patients with hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, metabolic syndrome, and other risk factors.

Stage B – In the second stage of CHF, often considered pre-heart failure, patients may experience fatigue, abnormal heartbeat, and shortness of breath while performing daily tasks but may be comfortable resting.

Stage C – In the third stage of CHF, patients experience fatigue, abnormal heartbeat, and shortness of breath when performing daily activities. Swelling may also appear in their extremities.

Stage D – In the fourth stage of CHF, patients will constantly feel fatigued, have an abnormal heartbeat, have shortness of breath, and have swelling, even when resting.

How Assisted Supports CHF

Home Health

In collaboration with the patient’s doctor, Assisted Home Health’s skilled nursing can help patients stay active and live a more enjoyable life. Our dedicated nursing staff can help with medication management, educating caretakers on managing CHF, monitoring vital signs and heart failure symptoms, improving strength and mobility, and identifying red flags.

Hospice Care

In the final stages of CHF, patients may experience frequent episodes of angina, abnormal heart function, increasing fatigue, and difficulty functioning. As the focus changes to making CHF patients as comfortable as possible, Assisted Hospice Care’s empathic staff can help manage pain and medication, monitor the patient and communicate with their doctor, reduce acute symptoms, and avoid rehospitalizations.

Caregiver Services

CHF can cause shortness of breath, an abnormal heartbeat, fatigue, and swelling. Many CHF patients experience difficulties with everyday activities like showering, dressing, or preparing meals. Home care aides from Assisted Caregiver Services can assist with personal care activities to allow your loved ones to focus on their health and well-being without feeling burdened by everyday tasks.

CHF Symptom Monitoring

It is important for patients to monitor their symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) regularly. Symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and abnormal heartbeat can indicate the progression of the condition. Knowing the stages of CHF and recognizing the symptoms can help patients and their families manage the condition and seek additional care services when necessary.

• Don’t smoke: Smoking damages the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of CHF.
• Eat a healthy diet: A diet that is low in salt and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help lower the risk of CHF.
• Be active: Regular physical activity can help improve heart health and reduce the risk of CHF. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
• Watch your cholesterol: Strive for total cholesterol of less than 200mg/dl.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Target a body mass index (BMI) of 25% or less.
• Manage underlying conditions: Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and coronary artery disease can increase the risk of CHF. It is important to manage these conditions through a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.