Discharge Instructions

Why is this important?

Heart failure is a chronic condition that results in symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness and fatigue. Before patients leave the hospital, the hospital staff should provide them with information to help manage their symptoms at home. The information should include:

• Activity level (what you can and can’t do)
• Diet (what you should and shouldn’t eat or drink)
• Medications
• Follow-up appointment
• Weight recommendations
• What to do if your symptoms get worse

Higher percentages are better.

Information About Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a progressive cardiac illness in which the heart cannot pump enough oxygenated blood to meet the body’s needs. It is also referred to as chronic heart failure or heart failure.

The American Heart Association (AHA) says congestive heart failure is often the result of cardiovascular disease that has weakened the heart over a period of time. The AHA estimates that there are more than half a million new cases each year. The annual number of deaths directly resulting from congestive heart failure is increasing too, and it’s the most common diagnosis in hospital patients age 65 years and older.

There are things people can do to decrease their chances of having congestive heart failure in their later years. The early detection and aggressive treatment of high blood pressure and heart attack, the two leading causes of congestive heart failure, are essential.

Symptoms of congestive heart failure may include:

• Shortness of breath due to fluid in the lungs
• Swelling in the legs, ankles or abdomen
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Cold or clammy skin
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat

This data, based primarily on data collected by Baxter Regional Medical Center hospital from April 2007 through March 2008, was released publicly on December 18, 2008.