chf

HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM

Conceptual Model

Cost Analysis

Managed Care Products

Congestive Heart Failure

Your Heart in Motion

____________________

New Technology to
Manage Heart Failure

____________________

Compliments to groups.ucanr.org

Heart pod
Monitors Heart

Congestive heart failure is a debilitating illness in which one's heart is not pumping enough blood to meet the body's needs. Congestive heart failure or otherwise known as CHF occurs when a weakened heart's pumping action causes a buildup of fluid in one's lungs and other body tissues. CHF affects approximately 5 million people in the United States (Crowder, 2006). CHF is the most prevalent diagnosis in hospitalized patients older than 65 years of age. (Qualiette, Atwood, Ackerman & Froliecher, 2000). CHF accounts for approximately 1 million hospitalizations annually (AHA, 2005). In 2005, $27.9 billion dollars was spent on treatment cost for CHF patients (AHA, 2005).
There is clearly a need to focus on disease management program that will high risk patients with heart failure.Through the use of telecommunications technology, nurses can monitor CHF patients from their home using a computerized audio/video monitor station.Without leaving their office, clinicians can perform "tele-visits", to provide care, education and monitoring system allows the nurse to instruct patients on obtaining blood pressure, pulse, EKG, pulse oximetry reading and weight. In addition, with the assistance of home care giver, the patients heart sound can be heard using a specialized headphone by clinician.
CHF is a serious but manageable condition with the right treatments, doctor's recommendations and necessary changes in one's diet, exercise, and lifestyle. The following links will assist CHF patients and their families with educational tools they need to make lifestyle changes for a health heart.