7 useful tips when caring for a heart failure patient

7 USEFUL TIPS WHEN CARING FOR A HEART FAILURE PATIENT

The prevalence of heart failures in the world population has increased incredibly. Despite of the advancement of health care facilities, the issue tends to remain stagnant. Caring for a heart failure patient at home is equally essential, same as the intensive care provided in the hospital.

In a research conducted in the US, the Cardiovascular disease continues to be the chief cause of death in the region. Patients who had been fortunate enough to receive immediate care in the hospital, had to maintain a healthy lifestyle for maximum recovery.

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Here, we have gathered 8 useful tips when caring for a heart failure patient at home.

1. Managing fluid intake

The marvelous benefits of having optimum water and fluid intake, has been preached, ever since the health system came into being. Although water makes up 70% of the body's total body weight, it can become a problem for a heart failure patient.

Heart failure compromises the kidney function, which leads to poor excretion of water and sodium. This leads to a higher water content in the body and in turn increases stress on the heart, that already struggles to function after heart failure.

It is therefore recommended to keep the liquids equal to 2 quarts or less per day. But  the fluid intake must not be reduced to the point, where the body becomes dehydrated. Try consulting the health care professional, to decide the accurate amount of fluid intake as per your condition.

2. Consumption of medicine on time

Doctors will most definitely prescribe a list of medications after the event of heart failure. These medicines target problems which arise subsequent to inadequate functioning of the heart.Some medications that are usually given to heart failure patients are:

1.     Digoxin: It slows down the heart rate by reinforcing the muscles of the heart.

2.     Beta-blockers: This drug lowers blood pressure and slows down the heart rate.

3.     ACE-inhibitors: These medications keep the blood vessels relaxed. This lowers blood pressure and excessive load on the heart.

4.     Diuretics: This set of drugs is utilized in excreting excess water from the body.

5.     Hydralazine and Isosorbide dinitrate: These also take part in relaxing blood vessels.

Hence, medications are to be taken religiously and on time, to reduce the risk of another incident of heart failure.

3. Noticing abnormal functioning of the heart

The heart is not able to function effectively in a heart failure patient and hence faces trouble to supply blood to distant organs. These distant organs include the lower limbs, which often swell due to retention of water.

Abnormal functioning is manifested through symptoms. These signs signify the negative response of the heart to stresses.

The common symptoms involve:

1.     Shortness of breath

2.     Abdominal swelling

3.     Fatigue

4.     Coughing due to abnormal respiration

Such signs must not be overlooked and dealt with, promptly.

4. Rest is necessary for recovery

Older people are always on the go, to run errands. The long time taken in recovery from a heart failure episode, might agitate them. Caretakers around must make sure that they do not compromise on their health, just to walk long distances to buy some groceries.

Furthermore, it is suggested that an effective plan for the week be made to help in the management of daily activities and taking rest.

5. Perform exercises

Physical health is key to having a normal functioning heart. But being physically active, immediately after leaving the hospital, is discouraged by medical experts.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation team is appointed to gradually aid the patient in resuming his daily routine. They are not hasty and instead, train the individual patiently, in getting physically fit again. All of this, is practiced based on the principles of Cardiac physical therapy.

6. Install a home monitoring device

Most children start living separately from their parents, as soon as they reach puberty. This could be done for the aim of getting higher education or simply because a job they applied for, is located outside their town.

A patient with heart failure needs constant attention as there's a high chance of their health being deteriorated at any time.

To avoid such a situation, it is recommended to install a monitoring device, for e.g: a CCTV camera. This saves the family from witnessing an unfortunate death, just because there was no one around to help, while the patient struggled during a cardiac arrest.

7: Emotional health must be taken care of

Often after undergoing an  experience of heart failure, the patients fall into emotional distress. A beneficial mental counseling is important to pull out the patient from the mental trauma and assist him to continue living positively.

This can be achieved by convincing the patient to take therapy sessions from a psychiatrist. Along with this, emotional support from the family is equally integral to the overall improvement in the patient's health.

We hope to make things easier for you to understand. For further query, write to us in the comment section below.