Congestive heart failure effects approximately 5.1 million Americans, with about 670,000 new cases diagnosed each year (Davidson,2015). In 2009, one in nine deaths were contributed to heart failure (Davidson,2015). The expectancy life span after being diagnosed is approximately five years. It effects mostly the elderly over the age of 65. CHF is a chronic disease that over time gets worse because of the weakening of the heart, increased workload, which reduces the amount of oxygenation that can be delivered to the vital organs. CHF is associated with other conditions that affect the heart which includes: long – term untreated high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis and endocarditis (Quinn, 2006).
CHF can affect …show more content…
Shortness of breath while doing daily activities and episodes of shortness of breath that awake a person from sleep are classic signs of heart failure. Cyanotic color to the extremities, such as the fingers and toes; along with feeling cold are signs of reduced oxygenation. There may also be swelling of the legs, a sign of fluid retention and edema. An enlarged liver may also be a sign of fluid retention. During the physical, the physician may hear irregular heart sounds, gallops, a raid heart rate and murmurs of the heart valves (Davidson, 2015). Diagnostic testing includes: chest x-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), stress test, blood tests, ultrasound, CT and MRI, coronary catheterization, and kidney function test (Davidson, 2015). CHF is classified into four stages. Class 1 - patients are without limitations of physical activity. Class 2 – patients with a slight limitation of physical capacity, in which normal daily activity leads to fatigue, palpitations, dyspnea, or angina pain, normally comfortable at rest. Class 3 - patients with marked limitation of physical activity, in which less than ordinary activity results in fatigue, palpitations, dyspnea, or angina pain, normally comfortable at rest. Class 4 – patients who are not able to carry on normal daily activities without discomfort, but who also have symptoms of heart failure or angina syndrome even at rest, the patient’s discomfort increases if
CHF can affect …show more content…
Shortness of breath while doing daily activities and episodes of shortness of breath that awake a person from sleep are classic signs of heart failure. Cyanotic color to the extremities, such as the fingers and toes; along with feeling cold are signs of reduced oxygenation. There may also be swelling of the legs, a sign of fluid retention and edema. An enlarged liver may also be a sign of fluid retention. During the physical, the physician may hear irregular heart sounds, gallops, a raid heart rate and murmurs of the heart valves (Davidson, 2015). Diagnostic testing includes: chest x-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), stress test, blood tests, ultrasound, CT and MRI, coronary catheterization, and kidney function test (Davidson, 2015). CHF is classified into four stages. Class 1 - patients are without limitations of physical activity. Class 2 – patients with a slight limitation of physical capacity, in which normal daily activity leads to fatigue, palpitations, dyspnea, or angina pain, normally comfortable at rest. Class 3 - patients with marked limitation of physical activity, in which less than ordinary activity results in fatigue, palpitations, dyspnea, or angina pain, normally comfortable at rest. Class 4 – patients who are not able to carry on normal daily activities without discomfort, but who also have symptoms of heart failure or angina syndrome even at rest, the patient’s discomfort increases if