Most cardiologist are well versed in heart failure and are more than capable of prescribing a cocktail of meds to help ease symptoms, and, in some cases, a pulmonologist will become involved.. A good primary can offer advice for end of life care. It is imperative however, to follow through with sound medical guidance otherwise it won't matter whether you see a CHF specialist or a horse dr. Both my husband and dad have CHF and I can attest that adhering to doctor's orders equals a better quality of life.....even in the end days.
We found that geriatrics with CHF you might need a combination of cardiologist plus pulmonary doctor. The cardiologist " should" let you know. It was required in our case. Our dads 02 sats were too low and he needed a pulmonary doctor to handle his lung deficits. The heart- lung go hand in hand.
My mom had CHF, well controlled for over 10 years. However, it is eventually what killed her.
I suspect that her CHF grew exponentially worse when she developed a respiratory infection (pre-Covid) that she let go too long before seeking medical intervention. Whatever virus she had, I think, did more damage to her heart; it was after that that she really began a downward spiral.
My advice to anyone dealing with CHF is to be aggressive about seeking medical treatment for any sort of illness that has even the potential of doing damage to the heart muscle. My mom was blessed with excellent health - CHF notwithstanding - and was used to, the few times she contracted some sort of virus, to simply go to bed and rest until it passed. And when that last one didn't improve in a timely fashion, she really should have gone to her doctor, but that is 20/20 hindsight and really doesn't matter at this point.
And as with any chronic medical condition, when in doubt, ask questions; write those questions down when you're home and think of them; keep notes and try to bring someone else with you to doctor appointments, because 2 sets of ears are better than 1.
CHF is a "highly" common condition that all cardiologists are versed on - though not all of them will be what you need. This is to say that some specialize. An electrophysiologist, for example, deals with problems effecting the electrical activity of the heart. Think A-fib or pacemakers. There are also Interventional Cardiologists. They perform various procedures. Hence, inserting catheters into arteries to locate / fix something. Depending on the cause of CHF, one "may" be seen by two types of cardiovascular or "heart" experts. Last. Because CHF can effect the lungs - especially as it progesses, a pulmonologist can be a very valuable, too. The primary care doc will point the individual in the right direction.
My husband also has heart failure. He was referred to two different clinics in our area but refuses to go. Services there involve a bi-weekly nurse check of weight, bp, and a quick overall assessment. They offer Lasix infusions onsite if needed. They offer suggestions for diet changes. And they can be the go-between the patient and the doctor. I would have liked for him to go to the clinic but he pretty much has an attitude of "I'm not answering to anybody, I'll do what I want," and there was no use discussing it. If you can get your husband to go to a heart care clinic, that would be great.
OS--older sister OB--older brother DH-dear husband DW-dear wife MIL-mother in law FIL-father in law SIL--either sister or son in law YS-younger sister YB-younger brother
IDK (I don't know) IMHO-in my honest opinion AL-assisted living NH-Nursing home
All cardiologists specialize in all aspects of heart disease and will diagnose and treat the condition. If there’s a situation where he will need heart surgery then the cardiologist will refer him to a heart surgeon. Living a healthy lifestyle like sticking to a weight-loss diet, avoiding alcohol, exercising daily by simply walking for 15-30 minutes, keeping hypertension and diabetes under control, taking your medications regularly and on time, and keeping all his appointments with his doctors will help him to live a very, very long life. I’m speaking from experience as my husband had a heart attack in 1996 and he’s still alive today because he follows the above regimen.
The American College of Cardiologists (ACC) has specific sub-specialties that require advanced training and certification. For example, about a dozen years ago, a new specialty in adult congenital heart defects was established and ratified by the ACC. There are a number of causes of congestive heart failure, so the type of CHF a person has may require a specialized certification or training. For example, the COVID vaccine has caused a form of CHF in adolescents and young adults. This type of CHF is highly treatable. Congenital heart defects, which are structural abnormalities at birth, can cause many variations on CHF that can be treated (sometimes surgically) or lead to transplant. What most of us think of as CHF, which is a loss of the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently and occurs in old people, is typically treated by most cardiologists. So to say that all cardiologists treat all non-surgical heart conditions is inaccurate. I am clarifying this because many patients do not receive adequate care because they are unaware of their options. Kenklein should find out everything he/she can about the CHF diagnosis and ask lots of questions and expect answers. A second opinion is also very helpful and insurance is required by law to cover it.
Depending on the severity and type of CHF, hospice is often prescribed. I highly recommend utilizing this service. It does improve the quality of life for the patient and is covered by Medicare. It also eases the burden on family.
What is CHF? I can usually guess at the abbreviations on this website, but this one has me stumped. While we're at it, what is OP? In Catholic circles, OP is a Dominican (Order of Preachers).
CHF is the bread and butter for cardiologists, internists, and ICU staff. Ask about cardiac rehab programs which insurance can pay for. Learning about meds and lifestyle changes through medical associations best practices will help your partner have a better quality of life and slow the process. There is no cure other than following steps to care for themselves
In our experience, cardiologists all seem to have different areas of specific interests though all can provide care for heart patients. If you’re dealing with something specific one isn’t experienced or comfortable with, they will refer you to another who specializes in that area
All cardiologists can treat CHF. But there are a few major hospitals that have CHF clinics. I've gone to both and don't find there is a great deal of diference.
I suspect that her CHF grew exponentially worse when she developed a respiratory infection (pre-Covid) that she let go too long before seeking medical intervention. Whatever virus she had, I think, did more damage to her heart; it was after that that she really began a downward spiral.
My advice to anyone dealing with CHF is to be aggressive about seeking medical treatment for any sort of illness that has even the potential of doing damage to the heart muscle. My mom was blessed with excellent health - CHF notwithstanding - and was used to, the few times she contracted some sort of virus, to simply go to bed and rest until it passed. And when that last one didn't improve in a timely fashion, she really should have gone to her doctor, but that is 20/20 hindsight and really doesn't matter at this point.
And as with any chronic medical condition, when in doubt, ask questions; write those questions down when you're home and think of them; keep notes and try to bring someone else with you to doctor appointments, because 2 sets of ears are better than 1.
CHF --congestive heart failure
while I'm at it
OS--older sister
OB--older brother
DH-dear husband
DW-dear wife
MIL-mother in law
FIL-father in law
SIL--either sister or son in law
YS-younger sister
YB-younger brother
IDK (I don't know)
IMHO-in my honest opinion
AL-assisted living
NH-Nursing home
There's plenty more....
Depending on the severity and type of CHF, hospice is often prescribed. I highly recommend utilizing this service. It does improve the quality of life for the patient and is covered by Medicare. It also eases the burden on family.
CHF is to a cardiologist what the common cold is to a general practitioner.