When dealing with Elder Care in Greenville SC, one must be aware of congestive heart failure. This develops when the heart is not
strong enough to pump blood through the entire body.[1]
A chronic condition, heart failure also has the ability of quickly developing
and may, in certain cases, impact only one side of the heart at a time. The
senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville, serving
Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Taylors, Fountain Inn, and Mauldin, know that
facing congestive heart failure with your elderly loved one can be scary. But
by understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options associated with
this condition, you can better support your senior as they battle this disease.
Causes of Congestive
Heart Failure
Coronary artery disease is the most common catalyst of
congestive heart failure. This disease takes root when the blood vessels that
carry blood—and oxygen—to the heart are too narrow to provide the amount of
blood needed. Additionally, high blood pressure caused by this and other
conditions can lead to the failure of the heart.
Additional causes of congestive heart failure include:
·
Congenital heart disease
·
Arrhythmias
·
Heart attack
·
Diseases of the heart valves (causing them to
leak or become too narrow)
·
Infection of the heart muscle
Congestive heart failure is a disease that can actually be
prompted by other health conditions. Some of these include: amyloidosis,
underactive and overactive thyroid, emphysema, a surplus of iron, sarcoidosis,
and extreme anemia.
Symptoms Associated
with Congestive Heart Failure
The signs of heart failure develop gradually. As such, it is
important for you to understand what to look for when providing home care to
your elderly loved one. Here are some of the most common symptoms of this
particular condition:
·
Cough
·
Weight gain
·
Fatigue
·
Shortness of breath
·
Weakness
·
Swollen feet, ankles, liver, or abdomen
·
Loss of appetite
·
Irregular Pulse
·
Urge to urinate at night
·
Heart palpitations
These symptoms, although they normally emerge at a slow
rate, may begin suddenly. As such, it is important to pay attention to the
overall health of your loved one when providing home care.
Treatment Options
Medications are the first line of defense against congestive
heart failure. These medicines are targeted at alleviating the symptoms of the
disease and preventing it from becoming more severe. Coronary bypass surgery,
heart valve surgery, the implantation of a pacemaker, or the use of a
defibrillator may also be used.
For a free e-book on senior care issues, please click here to have one sent to you free of charge.
For more information, please contact +Bruce Meyer at (864) 527-0464.
No comments:
Post a Comment