Mercy’s Congestive Heart Failure Program
CHF is a chronic condition in which the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently is weakened. CHF is not a one-time episode that is immediately cured. It is a chronic condition that requires daily management. In response to that, Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids established a plan of care designed specifically for congestive heart failure (CHF) patients.
Our goal is to improve or maintain the patient’s condition, and to boost the heart’s ability to pump blood. We can achieve this if we ease the workload on the heart.
Mercy’s CHF program, certified to participate in national studies on best practices in treating CHF, helps caregivers identify common patient problems and tailor the care for each patient’s individual needs. We meet with patients to discuss how they are progressing according to their goals. Potential problems are identified early and we discuss solutions and how to implement them.
During your hospitalization, we monitor medication adjustments, oxygen, rehabilitation and instruction. Medications commonly prescribed in treating CHF include ace inhibitors, diuretics, beta blockers, and digoxin.
A critical part of Mercy’s program is preparing you for home care. Most patients live at home and need to learn about CHF and how to live with it.
Mercy’s Cardiac Outcomes Manager reviews care plans for our CHF patients and spends time – along with our patient care staff - teaching you the importance of preventative care.
In preventative care for CHF, we advise you to:
- Always take all medications as prescribed. This is very important, even if you are feeling better.
- Weigh yourself daily – Call your physician if you gain 3-5 pounds in only 1-2 days.
- Watch your diet – restricting salt intake is especially important.
- Report signs of fluid retention – These include chest pain or pressure, weight gain, shortness of breath, swelling of legs and feet, stomach bloating, tiring easily, any decrease in urination or developing a dry, hacking cough.
- Limit fluid intake – as directed by your physician.
- Avoid alcohol as directed by your physician.
- Quit smoking.
In exercise, we advise you to build up your strength and tolerance gradually. Mercy’s cardiac rehabilitation includes a maintenance phase program called “Fit for Life ” in which exercise programs are tailored for the individual and progress is closely monitored.
You can live with heart failure, but it is critical to adhere to a heart-healthy regimen of regular exercise, good diet, monitoring weight and fluid intake and taking all medications faithfully.
Mercy Fitness Center offers rehabilitation, exercise and nutrition programs that can help you learn to live with heart failure, and stay healthy.
For more information on heart failure, click here www.abouthf.org.
