Over 6 million Americans suffer from congestive heart failure. This debilitating condition is estimated to cost nearly 31 billion in healthcare dollars each year. Aside from the condition itself, it is often the additional complexities that go with it that contribute to death and disability. Reducing the risk of comorbidities and negative outcomes for those managing heart failure is key to improving quality of life and reducing health care costs to patients and systems.
Risk factors for most chronic conditions increase with age and duration. This is also true for congestive heart failure, however prevention and efforts toward risk reduction are beneficial at all stages of both life and disease state. The earlier that efforts are made regarding risk reduction, the greater the chance of avoiding complications.
There are several key aspects that patients can incorporate into their daily routine to improve health and reduce risk. There are also areas where providers can offer additional support to help patients navigate the more complex and technical side of heart failure. These separate factors are interwoven into the patient care plan. Clear communication between patient and provider is integral for maintenance and management of heart failure.
Four Core Pillars to Help Reduce Risk
The following chart illustrates several approaches for patients to consider in their efforts to reduce risk. These are the four core pillars for patient and provider to address:
Increase Physical Activity / Improve Nutrition Intake
- Regular movement each day
- 30 minutes of activity 5 days a week
- Consider yoga, tai chi, or qigong
- Increase fruits and vegetables
- Reduce salt intake
- Reduce processed/packaged foods
- Eat smaller meals
Health Care Maintenance / Consider Lifestyle Habits
- Maintain regular checkups
- Take medications daily
- Manage mental health
- Weight maintenance
- Quit Smoking
- Reduce/eliminate alcohol use
- Get adequate sleep
- Stress management
Additional considerations
In addition to addressing the four pillars listed, efforts for risk reduction should also include maintenance of current medical conditions which are known to worsen or induce heart failure.
These include:
- high blood pressure,
- history of heart attack,
- diabetes,
- sleep apnea,
- heart disease,
- obesity,
- damage to heart valve, and
- COPD
Further provider support might include:
- referral to ancillary care: physical therapy, pulmonary rehab, social services, behavioral health, and/or nutrition services,
- frequent medication reconciliation,
- advocacy for local support groups,
- seeking council from other specialists, and
- staying up-to-date on the latest research and technology.
Despite increased awareness and an evolved understanding of the intricacies of this condition, there is still an anticipated increase in the rates of heart failure diagnosis expected over the next decade. Early detection and improved preliminary health are key aspects to reducing the devastating and costly financial and socioeconomic effects that congestive heart failure will incur.
Of course, helping your patients with early detection and reducing risk is a high priority for your practice. RPM Logix assists health care providers by offering up-to-date telehealth solutions for your patients. Our dedicated Nurse Staffed Care Team, Registered Dietitians, and Experienced Consultants provide the remote personalized medicine approach you’ve been seeking.
Resources:
Heart failure facts & information. (n.d.). Retrieved July 21, 2022, from https://hfsa.org/patient-hub/heart-failure-facts-information
McAlister F, Stewart S, Ferrua S, et al. Multidisciplinary strategies for the management of heart failure patients at high risk for admission. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2004 Aug, 44 (4) 810–819.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2004.05.055
Tamara B. Horwich, M. D. (2017, January 1). Prevention of heart failure. JAMA Cardiology. Retrieved July 21, 2022, from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/fullarticle/2590068
