Congestive Heart Disease Essay Example for Free

congestive Heart Disease EssayThe main function of a healthy marrow squash is to ensure squ ar-toed declension f let loose throughout the eubstance and supplying all the organs with the nutrients that ar necessary for survival. congestive kernel failure (CHF) is too cognise as congestive nitty-gritty sickness, but for this paper we allow use failure, Consistent with the research. Congestive heart failure is a disease that primarily attains the heart to be compromised. This leaves the heart unable to perform the main function of pumping pitch throughout the corpse to maintain homeostasis. Congestive heart failure affects mostly individuals 65 years and older however it female genitalia happen at any time. Anderson, et al 2010).According to Goldberg Konstam, It is also one of the most common forms of heart disease. Approximately 4. 9 million Americans suffer from CHF, with about 400,000 new cases diagnosed annually. (as cited in Mithal, Mann, Stone, 2002, p. 46). Pr razetion methods ar important reckons for avoiding this disease. There are several treatments available for congestive heart failure that focus on reducing fluids from the trunk to draw congestion from the heart or reduce slant bosom in the arteries. The heart can be described as muscular pump its primary function is to pump blood. The heart consists of quaternion bedchambers.The upper two chambers are called the atriums and the subvert two chambers are called the ventricles. As the heart contracts, blood is pumped through the body with the assistance of four heart valves. Blood that is low in oxygen flows back to the heart after circulating through the body. The blood enters through veins and enters the right atrium. This chamber empties blood through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. The right ventricle continues to pump the blood under low pressure through the pulmonary valve into the pulmonary artery. The blood is now directed to the lungs where it gets fresh oxygen.After the blood is oxygenized, the blood go away control a bright red appearance, and it is now considered sizable with oxygen. The blood forget now return to the left heart through the pulmonary veins to the left atrium. From there it passes through the mitral valve and enters the left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps the oxygenated blood out through the aortic valve into the aorta. The aorta takes blood to the bodys general circulation. Congestive heart failure is the inability of the heart to sufficiently supply the body with oxygenated rich blood adequately. The hearts primary function is to move blood throughout a network of vessels.The blood provides the cells of the body with oxygen and nutrients needed while also removing waste products of the body and releasing carbon dioxide. variety meat such as the brain, liver, lungs, intestines and kidneys are also compromised. When the weakened brawninesss of the heart is unable to supply the kidneys with the ne cessary fare of money of blood the kidneys are compromised. The kidneys are now unable to perform their function of excreting sodium and water. This causes the body to retain fluid, which directly affects the lungs. The lungs now become congested with fluids known as pulmonary edema.The liver is in addition bear on with the accumulation of fluids due to the inability to fall wastes. This causes a huge accumulation of toxins in the body. The intestines allow also be affected and will not be able to absorb the necessary nutrients for everyday function. Without treatment CHF will eventually corrupt and attack every organ of the body. Common symptoms include sum up legs or ankles and difficulty schnorkeling. Weight gain is often seen due to the accumulations of fluid deep down the body. (American Heart Association, 2010 Anderson, et al 2010). There are several factors that commonly contribute to congestive heart failure.Coronary heart disease is an accumulation of plaque ch airing in a narrowing or hardening of the arteries that supplies blood to the heart muscle known as the myocardium. This is the most common type of heart disease dissolventing in the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. (MedlinePlus, 2010). another(prenominal) factor is hypertension (high blood pressure), which refers to high pressure found in the arteries. Approximately one in three adults in the United States (73 million people) are estimated by The American Heart Association (2010) to be diagnosed with high blood pressure.A myocardial infarction, producing a thick scar tissue and interfering with the heart muscles normal function is another factor which could result in a heart attack. Heart valve disease has been linked to congestive heart failure as well. This could be a result of an outbreak of rheumatic fever or some other causes. Another factor contributing to congestive heart failure would be an infection of the heart lining known as endocarditis c ausing damage to the heart valves or possibly a myocardium of the heart known as myocarditis. Other common causes are alcohol and drug abuse, arrhythmias, obesity, ardiomyopathy and congenital heart defects. (American Heart Association, 2010).There are several ways to prevent congestive heart failure. Diet management is a key factor in securing a future without congestive heart failure. Maintaining a proper diet is crucial. Being big(a) will act as a burden to the heart causing it to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. It is necessary to reduce sodium intake to avoid retaining fluids. The next step would be to increase potassium intake. Individuals who shed congestive heart failure are usually prescribed diuretics to assistance excrete fluids causing a loss of potassium.Potassium can be found in green leather-leaved vegetables and most fruits, particularly bananas, oranges, and dried fruit. Other factors for congestive heart failure prevention would involve exercise, no smoking and limited alcohol consumption. (Health-cares, 2010). There are many factors used for treatment for congestive heart failure. Various drugs are incorporated into treatment for congestive heart failure. The uses of drugs are mean for reducing fluids within the body or to reduce blood pressure in the arteries of the body. Typical drugs used for treatment are Ace inhibitors, beta-blockers, digitalis, diuretics and vasodilators.Beta-blockers are intended to improve function for the left lower ventricular pumps. Diuretics are intended to assist in eliminating products that primarily contribute to congestion such as salt and water. Digitalis serves a very important role in strengthening the heart so it can serve as a more(prenominal) efficient, reliable, and effective pump. Treatment may involve surgery if the failure is a result of a poor functioning heart valve. Surgery could involve repair or replacement of a heart valve or in drastic cases, replacement of the heart itsel f.General treatment will also consist of exercise, weight loss, rest and specific attention to maintaining a suitable diet plan. (American Heart Association, 2010). The figure Framework of a person that has congestive heart failure is greatly affected. Individuals must reduce the amount of exertion on their bodies to prevent over stimulating the heart. The limitations caused by the failure make performing even routine tasks more difficult. Some of the activities of daily living (ADLs) that this individual might have issues with might be, get dressed and undressed, toileting, personal hygiene, laving and eating.Some Instrumental ctivities of daily living (IADLs) that might be affected could include preparing meals, winning medications, shopping (food or clothes), using the phone, house work, managing money and bills. As an Occupational healer (OT), One can educate patient/individual on the importance of reduced fluids and stress will make for a better heart and a fitter individu al. The individual needs to learn that drink or chewing on an ice cube is better than drinking a glass of water. collect to the increasing amount of fluids the medications are trying to get out of the body, drinking would be just adding more to the body and also adding more tress on the body. The roles/routines/habits will have to change because of the congestive heart failure and how the individual now has to take it slower and easier to get the job done. OT addresses any shortness of breath (SOB) and fatigue that might accrue during any of their daily living activities, routines, habits ect. Individuals learn to use adaptive equipment to help decrease the energy used to get the job done.Examples would consist of using a shower sooner of a tub (if applicable), have grab bars inside and outside the shower, have a bath bench/chair with a authorize-held shower head and a long handled sponge for easier athing. little bending over for easier dressing/undressing by using open front g arments with liberations/snaps, using a button hook if need be use a dressing stick to put on lower extremities (LE) garments. Use a lighter comforter for less weight use a step movement to reach things to reduce straining.Keep the house cooler and if the patient/individual is SOB outside have a portable pocket hand held fan/fan with mister. To reduce strain and stress have a garbage can with wheels would be very useful. One more example might be to have a recliner to keep legs up as well as change positions oftentimes for circulation. OTs also each how to break down the tasks into small components to make the task at hand more manageable.For instance washout is a big task for anyone, so instead of doing all the laundry in one day, do smaller consignments spread out or one load a day. Pull the laundry out of the drier and hang it up as soon as laundry is done to save the wrinkles and then having to iron in addition too. Use lighter pots and pans to ready with. Having the appli ances at arms length, waist level, within easy to reach to help with saving body energy. OTs do whatever it takes to get the individual back to independently living a healthier life to the best of their ability.Congestive heart failure is a condition that needs to be specifically addressed and treated. The condition can be managed by complying with lifestyle changes, following a treatment plan, and taking prescribed medications. Without following a treatment plan the disease will consume the organs of the body causing irreversible damage. It is important to be aware of limitations concerning the disease to avoid over exertion which can be fatal. Early intervention in the treatment of Congestive heart failure is crucial in providing the best outcome. (Ciccone, 2007).