CHF Protocols

CHF (congestive heart failure) is a medical condition in which the heart's ability to function as a pump decreases, making it more difficult to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It can be caused by a variety of things, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, myocarditis and diseases that weaken the heart muscles. Symptoms of CHF include shortness of breath (often caused by pulmonary edema), swelling, increased urination and abdominal pain. Treatment for CHF includes medication and lifestyle modifications, such as limiting sodium intake, decreasing fluid intake and increasing aerobic exercise. CHF protocols include specific instructions and guidelines that are used to diagnose and treat CHF.

Diagnose CHF

• Tests that diagnose CHF, such as ECG (electrocardiogram), chest x-ray and ultrasound, will be included within the CHF protocol. Information regarding how and when to perform and order the necessary tests should be located in the protocol. Instructions on how to obtain a complete medical history on the patient should be included because symptoms of congestive heart failure in the patient's history are indicators of the condition. Include techniques on how to perform a physical exam in the protocols. This reminds health care providers to look for CHF symptoms, including the presence of extra fluid within the body and physical characteristics in the heart that indicate CHF.

Treatments

• Treatments for CHF will be written in the protocol. A list of medications that can be used to treat the condition may be added. Indications and contraindications (reasons why a medication is not recommended for use) should be included. Lifestyle modification is another way to treat congestive heart failure. A change in diet and increased exercise can help prevent the exacerbation of the condition. Tips and techniques on how to convince and assist patients in making the necessary lifestyle changes can be added.

Diet & Exercise

• Include diet recommendations in the CHF protocols. A low sodium diet can help reduce the problems caused by CHF. Controlling the amount of fluid intake can help patients suffering from congestive heart failure. The protocol should include specific amounts of fluid and sodium that patients are allowed to include in their diet. Instructions on how to check for signs of fluid accumulation, which results from increased sodium and fluid consumption, such as checking the patient's weight on a regular basis, can be included in the protocol. The protocol can also include recommended exercises, like aerobic exercise, that will help the patient battle CHF.