Congestive Heart Failure: Living with Failure Course

Course overview

Purpose/Goals Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, over the past ten years, the death rate from heart disease also called Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in the United States has killed almost 380,000 people a year. However, during this time frame the death rate has fallen about 39 percent. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, taking more lives than all forms of cancer. Each year about 720,000 people in the United States have heart attacks and of those 122,000 die. It is estimated that 620,000 people in the United States have first time heart attacks and of those 295,000 have recurrent heart attacks. According to federal data, cardiovascular operations and procedures increased about 28 percent from 2000 to 2010 totaling, about 7.6 million in 2010. The burden and risk factors remain alarmingly high. It is time to focus on the recognition and management of the number one killer of our time, CHF. This course discusses lifestyle changes that are therapeutic and meant to slow the process and progression of heart failure. Objectives After completing this course, the student will be able to: Educate the client about life-style changes required when living with heart failure. Discuss the concept of self-adjustment of diuretics. Discuss the use of beneficial vitamins and supplements in heart failure. Identify the importance of follow up care. Discuss chronic management of heart failure.