Daily living and health
Congestive heart failure
Congestive heart failure is a long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump or fill well enough to meet the body's needs. It does not mean the heart has stopped. Common signs are shortness of breath, tiredness, and swelling in the legs and feet. It cannot be cured, but treatment helps.
Why it matters for your family
Heart failure often means daily routines. A doctor may ask a person to weigh themselves daily, limit salt, take several medicines, and watch swelling or breathing changes. Sudden weight gain or new breathlessness should be reported right away. A common mistake is skipping medicine or salt limits when feeling well. Caregivers can help with meals, reminders, and rides to appointments, and can tell the family or doctor about changes. They do not give medical treatment. Fatigue can raise fall risk, so safe walking and rest breaks matter. Keep the doctor's phone number and the list of warning signs where everyone can see them.
Source: nhlbi.nih.gov
Read more: Dementia and chronic conditions
Related terms
- Chronic conditionA chronic condition is a health problem that lasts a year or more and needs ongoing medical attention, limits daily activities, or both.
- Medication reminderA medication reminder is a prompt that tells a person it is time to take a medicine they already have.
- Fall riskFall risk is the chance that a person will fall and be hurt.
- Palliative carePalliative care is specialized medical care that eases the symptoms and stress of a serious illness.
- Home health careHome health care is medical care given at home for an illness or injury, such as skilled nursing and therapy.
- Care planA care plan is a written plan that lists a person's needs, goals, tasks, schedule and who does what.
