Living with chronic heart failure: challenges of palliative care
When diagnosed with chronic heart failure, many imagine only pills and constant restrictions. In reality, CHF is a manageable condition today. Even in severe cases with reduced ejection fraction, doctors' goal is not just to prolong life, but to maintain its quality.
Palliative care for heart failure is not the end of treatment. It extends support: symptom management, psychological support for the family, and lifestyle arrangements that make breathing, movement, and sleep easier.
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Main symptoms and their relief
Symptoms are often vague. In the early stages, it may seem as if the patient simply has anemia or fatigue. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion, it is necessary to consult a general practitioner or a cardiologist immediately.
How to deal with shortness of breath and shortness of breath?
Shortness of breath in CHF is one of the most common symptoms. It is associated with fluid retention in the lungs and decreased pumping function of the heart.
Treatment for heart failure is standard: the patient takes beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics. These reduce the workload on the heart and improve the ejection fraction.
For severe shortness of breath at rest, non-invasive ventilation methods are used—special masks that deliver air under pressure. This helps open the alveoli and reduce the feeling of suffocation.
Palliative care for heart failure necessarily includes anxiety management, as fear exacerbates shortness of breath in CHF.
Control of edema syndrome
Swelling of the legs, abdominal distension, and weight gain are signs of fluid retention.
The patient is prescribed diuretics. At this stage, it's also important to monitor the amount of water they drink: drinking too much is not recommended, but dehydration is also dangerous. It's also important to monitor your weight and waist size.
Proper treatment for heart failure reduces swelling and facilitates movement.
The role of the palliative care department in the treatment of CHF
When CHF becomes severe and symptoms are poorly controlled at home, palliative care is brought in. This includes not only medical care but also comprehensive support.
Drug support and therapy adjustment
The palliative care unit employs a dedicated team of specialists who adjust medication dosages, monitor patient tolerance, and measure pulse and blood pressure daily.
Psychological assistance to the patient and his relatives
If chronic heart failure persists for too long, a person becomes depressed: they can't live the life they're used to, losing their energy and independence. They also fear suffocating at night and are embarrassed by their weakness.
Working with a psychologist reduces stress. Family support is especially important at this time: show your sick relative that you care about their fate, let them know you're there and ready to help at any time.
Caring for patients with CHF involves not only monitoring their blood pressure but also caring for their mental state.
Organization of life and diet therapy
A well-organized space makes life easier. A comfortable bed with an elevated headboard reduces shortness of breath in CHF.
A low-salt diet reduces fluid retention. Nutritional support helps maintain strength, especially if appetite decreases.
Caring for patients with CHF at home is possible with a clear plan and regular communication with a doctor.
When should you consider hospitalization?
If shortness of breath at rest worsens, swelling increases, frequent episodes of suffocation or severe weakness occur, it's best to discuss hospitalization.
Sometimes a short hospital stay can stabilize the condition and restore control of CHF.
CHF stages and the amount of care needed
| Stage (NYHA) | Manifestations | Type of Support |
|---|---|---|
| I | No symptoms with normal activity | Cardiologist observation, basic treatment |
| II | Mild shortness of breath with load | Adjust therapy, patient education |
| III | Severe shortness of breath with minimal exertion | Active treatment of heart failure, assistance with daily living |
| IV | Shortness of breath at rest, a sharp decrease in activity | Palliative care for heart failure, possible hospitalization |
Conclusion
Chronic heart failure is not a death sentence. It is a condition that requires careful management.
Even in severe cases of CHF, shortness of breath can be reduced, swelling can be controlled, and the patient's quality of life can be maintained.
We not only provide 24/7 medical monitoring but also create a homelike atmosphere where each patient feels like an individual, not just a number on a medical record.
FAQ
Is it possible to live long-term with CHF?
Is hospitalization necessary?
Can I change the dosage myself?
Attention! This article is for informational purposes only. Any changes to the treatment regimen or the use of new medications must be discussed with your treating cardiologist.
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What is important to know about CHF in the terminal stages?
With CHF, blood stagnates in the lungs and veins. Shortness of breath develops (even when simply lying down), swelling in the legs increases, and endurance decreases. Sometimes, a person cannot walk even a few steps without stopping.
It's important to understand: chronic heart failure develops gradually. Don't wait for a sudden deterioration. At first, shortness of breath may seem like a consequence of a cold, but as the disease progresses, it becomes more difficult for a person to move.
Regular monitoring by a cardiologist, appropriate treatment of heart failure, and the initiation of palliative care can help stabilize the condition and reduce suffering.