Congestive Heart Failure is a chronic condition where the heart cannot pump your blood correctly. It can lead to breathing problems and other symptoms, such as weakness and swollen feet and ankles.
Patients with CHF nearing the end of life are likely to encounter worsening symptoms or the development of new symptoms. End-of-Life care aims to reduce suffering in all forms: physical, psychological, existential, or social; recognition of each of these forms of suffering as a contributor is essential. The key is to medically optimize to the fullest extent achievable with guideline-based medical therapy and then to add therapies directed at the underlying cause of symptoms still present after traditional medical treatment has been exhausted.
Signs and Symptoms of CHF
- Physical pain. Most of the patients suffering from CHF experience pain. which needs to be taken care of by giving them painkillers. If providers are uncomfortable with utilizing more strong painkillers, it’s good to consult a pain or palliative care specialist.
- Depression and anxiety. As functional status worsens, the incidence of depression increases: In addition to medical therapies for depression, exercise can result in modest improvements in depressive symptoms. These medications should be started at a low dose and increased until depression improves or until recommended dose is achieved. Because both of these drugs are metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys, dose reduction may be required for renal and hepatic dysfunction.
- Cognitive impairment. Experience difficulty with short-term memory, working memory, executive control, and processing speed. Executive dysfunction and memory problems interfere with self-care and problem-solving, though many patients seemingly converse normally despite moderate-to-severe impairment.
While many patients retain the ability to discuss options and may express their preferences, it is crucial to include their designated surrogate decision-makers in planning care.
Why Go for End of Lifecare for CHF Patients?
- End of life care guides you and your loved ones through all the distress caused by CHF. Our team will help you navigate the complex health care system. They will keep you, your family, and all of your doctors informed, up to date and on the same page.
- End of life care specialists will help you plan because CHF episodes can become worse, sudden, and unpredictable. One of the essential things your End of Lifecare team can do is help you thoroughly discuss your health with your family caregivers.
- Ameriprime Hospice team uses its communication expertise to help you achieve your personal goals while living with the disease. They understand that every patient and every family is different. The team will help you and your family achieve the best possible quality of life as you live with CHF.
A Compassionate and Caring Team
As patients with end-stage HF experience a high burden of symptoms, a multidisciplinary care team may benefit them. This team usually involves both a PCP and a cardiologist, social worker, nursing staff, and perhaps a palliative care specialist. Since a patient’s transition to the end of life requires much to do, Ameriprime Hospice is here to help. Are you in Dallas, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, and surrounding TX communities? Don’t hesitate to contact us at (972) 787-0949 or on the contact form on our website
