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Respiratory Therapy Support For Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) results when the heart cannot pump enough oxygen through the blood. Though the heart continue to work hard, it doesn't work as well. Damage to a heart valve, infection, high blood pressure or a narrowing of the arteries that deliver blood to the heart can all lead to congestive heart failure. CHF affects nearly 5 million adults in the United States, according to the University of Virginia Health System (see Reference 1). Respiratory therapy, in conjunction with medications, can improve heart function and quality of life for patients with CHF.

  1. Pulmonary Rehabilitation

    • A pulmonary rehabilitation program strives to strengthen lung function through the use of various breathing exercises. A respiratory therapist (RT), working with the patient's physician, determines the rehab program that is right for that patient. RTs teach patients coping strategies to allow them to live with their illness. Patients also learn way to minimize the risk of infection or complications from CHF.

      During pulmonary rehabilitation, patients may learn different ways of breathing, such as pursed lip or diaphragmatic breathing, coughing techniques to loosen or prevent congestion, and even relaxation techniques. Patients on supplemental oxygen will learn how to manage their oxygen equipment (see Reference 3).

    Sleep Apnea

    • Dr. Michael Figueroa and Dr. Jay Peters reported in the April 2006 issue of Journal of Respiratory Care that 40 to 50 percent of patients with chronic, mild CHF also suffered from obstructive sleep apnea (see Reference 2). In obstructive sleep apnea, oxygen is cut off by some physiological obstruction during sleep, putting more stress on the heart.

      Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is one effective treatment for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers a continuous stream of air into the patient's nose and mouth through a mask, preventing blockage and the strain on the heart and risk to the patient's life this blockage can cause.

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