Congestive heart failure is a serious condition. It’s not something that should be taken lightly. However, congestive heart failure treatment guidelines do exist to help individuals who are unfortunate to be suffering from this disease. Well-trained dentists from No Gaps Parramatta explained some of these guidelines for better understanding.
In order to manage congestive heart failure, goals should be made. Targets are to improve the quality of life by alleviating the symptoms, slow down the progression of the disease, minimize hospital visits and admission.
In terms of congestive heart failure treatment guidelines, it actually depends on the cause, type, severity and the symptoms. There are many cases where more than one therapy is required.
Treat the Underlying Cause
Heart failure has various causes and it’s important to address these causes to treat the disease itself. Treatment methods can include angioplasty in order to open the blood vessels which have been clogged. Medications include those that can manage anemia, diabetes and high blood pressure. Patients with abnormal heart rhythms should also be monitored closely.
A person with congestive heart failure should learn to modify his lifestyle to manage the causes contributing to the disease. Here are some tips:
· Get sufficient rest. This also prevents the heart from working too much
· Engage in a low sodium and fat diet. This is a healthy diet for the heart
· Quit smoking. Don’t get exposed to secondhand smoke either. Limit alcohol consumption to a maximum of three drinks a week
· Engage in a weight loss program. Monitor your weight daily. An abrupt increase may indicate buildup of fluid
· Don’t get exposed to too much stress and visit your heart doctor regularly.
Medications
Medications are usually prescribed by the heart doctor for those with this condition. In most cases, these medications are administered for the following purposes:
· Dilation of blood vessel
· Reduction of water and sodium content in the body, hence, lessening the heart’s workloa
· Increase strength of the heart’s pumping
The most common medications given by the doctor to the patient are
· ACE Inhibitors to dilate the arteries, thus improving blood flow and reducing the workload of the hear
· Beta Blockers to manage blood pressure and prevent harmful hormones that lead to progression of the diseas
· Diuretics to aid the kidneys in expelling excess fluid which contributes to the heart’s workloa
· Magnesium and potassium supplements to replace lost minerals which have been excreted with the urin
· Digoxin to slow down the heart beat and at the same time strengthening it. It also regulates heart rhythms
Surgery
If congestive heart failure is severe, the patient will have to undergo a surgical procedure as a last resort. Some of these surgeries include:
· Coronary artery bypass graft or CAB
· Heart transplantation
· Left Ventricular Assist Devices of LVA
· Heart Reconstruction
It is therefore important for the person to strictly follow the guidelines if he or she is suffering from congestive heart failure. Remember, having this condition does not mean your lifespan will shorten.