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Heart Failure Exacerbation Lab Report

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Introduction
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood through the body. When this happens, parts of the body do not get the blood and oxygen they need to function properly. This can cause symptoms such as breathing problems, confusion, and fatigue.
When heart failure symptoms get worse it is called heart failure exacerbation. The symptoms may get worse suddenly or develop slowly over time. Heart failure exacerbation is a serious medical problem that should be treated right away.
What are the causes?
This condition may be caused by:
Not taking heart medicines.
Eating an unhealthy diet or a diet high in salt.
Drinking alcohol.
Not exercising as told by your health care provider.
Other causes include:
Infection. …show more content…
This test measures the electrical activity of your heart.
Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to take a picture of your heart to see how well it works.
Blood tests.
Imaging tests, such as:
Chest x-ray.
MRI.
Ultrasound.
Stress test. This test looks at how well your heart functions when you exercise. Your heart is monitored while you exercise on a treadmill or exercise bike.
Cardiac catheterization. During this test, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel and threaded up to your heart. This test allows your health care provider to check the arteries that lead to your heart (coronary arteries).
Coronary angiography. During this test, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into one of your blood vessels (cardiac catheterization). A special dye is then injected into the blood stream. This dye shows up on an X-ray and helps show how well your heart can pump blood.
How is this treated?
This condition may be treated by:
Adjusting heart medicines.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes:
Eating a heart-healthy diet that is low in salt …show more content…
If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
Regular exercise.
Surgery. This may include:
Implanting a device that helps both sides of your heart contract at the same time (cardiac resynchronization therapy device). This can help with heart function and relieve heart failure symptoms.
Implanting a device that can correct heart rhythm problems (implantable cardioverter defibrillator).
Connecting a device to your heart to help it pump blood (ventricular assist device).
Heart transplant.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Do not stop taking your medicines or change the amount you take. If you are having problems or side effects from your medicines, talk to your health care provider.
Talk to your health care provider before starting any new medicines or supplements.
Make sure your doctor and pharmacist have a list of all the medicines you are taking.
Eating and drinking
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Eat a heart-healthy diet as told by your health care provider. This includes:
Plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Lean proteins.
Low-fat dairy.
Whole

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