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Dear Diary, My mom came home from the Hospital yesterday after recovering from the complications of Congestive Heart Failure. Although the Doctor assured me she was able to come home, I am still concerned. What can I do to help my mom continue to recover? Struggling at Home Dear Struggling at Home: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to the body’s other organs. This can result from narrowed arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, a past heart attack, high blood pressure, heart valve disease or infection of the heart valves. The “failing” heart keeps working but not as efficiently as it should. Knowledge on recovering from heart related problems has improved greatly in the past ten years. It has been demonstrated that if you exercise, eat a healthy diet, take prescribed medications, avoid tobacco smoke, and receive emotional support you will feel better. In addition, it is recommended that you join an organized program aimed at helping regain health and prevent further complications. The recovery program will consist of four components: medical evaluations to assess physical abilities; monitored physical activity at a comfortable pace; lifestyle education which includes nutritional advice; and counseling. Ask your doctor about recommended programs and what physical limitations your mother has. |
A healthy heart is a goal that must be worked at throughout our lives. There are three things that you can do to achieve the goal of a healthy heart. First is physical activity, which helps to keep coronary arteries clean. Even if you are only able to do simple movement it will help. Just try and “do” more; climb up the stairs a few extra times or dance around the house, have fun with it! Second, is keeping a nutritionally balanced diet, which will help with high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and excess body weight. For more information on the right diet for you, contact a nutritionist or your doctor. Third is reducing risk factors such as: exposure to tobacco smoke, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, and your stress levels. Remember that heart problems are serious problems and they should be proactively addressed. Start by talking with your physician about the resources available to you. “Dear Diary” is sponsored by Visiting Angels, a full service senior homecare agency providing a comprehensive range of non-medical services on an hourly or live-in basis; for more information please call (626) 852-3302. |