Congestive heart failure occurs when a person's heart cannot pump enough blood and the body becomes congested with too much fluid.

Congestive heart failure is usually caused by coronary artery disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, or problems with heart valves, including infections. Anyone with congestive heart failure requires constant treatment. In some cases, a hospital stay is necessary. After hospital care, the doctor may also recommend home health care for some patients.

While the patient is in the hospital, the doctor works to first reduce the fluid in the body, and reduce the demand on the heart. The doctor sends the patient home when the medical situation has been accurately diagnosed and a treatment plan has been developed.

Nursing Unlimited 2000 works closely with the patient's doctor. These professionals ensure the patient makes a safe transition from hospital to home. They then go to work to see that the treatment plan started in the hospital continues smoothly in the home. This means plenty of education for both patient and family members.

The treatment plan consists of many parts, one of which is reducing demand on the heart so it doesn't have to work too hard. The members of the Nursing Unlimited team can provide information and support for such lifestyle changes as:

• Weight control
  
• Trying to quit smoking
  
• Watching alcohol consumption
  
• Becoming more active in and around the home

Another part of the treatment plan is dietary concerns. Eating less salt is an important part of dealing with congestive heart failure. Salt (and foods containing sodium) can cause the body to retain water. The home health team helps patients and family members understand how to make a low-salt diet work.

Medication is another part of the treatment plan. The doctor will prescribe different medications to help deal with problems caused by congestive heart failure. Many people with congestive heart failure also have high blood pressure. Controlling high blood pressure is essential to helping the heart work better. Understanding the medications and how to use them properly is important to the patient as well as the family members. The professional staff at Nursing Unlimited 2000 will help in this critical area with educational material as well as being available for any questions the patient may have.

Knowing the problem signs are important. With the help of the staff from Nursing Unlimited 2000, the patient and family members will become aware when the doctor should be called.