Southwest General has been awarded Heart Failure Certification by The Joint Commission. This recognition is given to facilities that demonstrate high quality care while following national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for heart failure patients.
Heart Failure Program
The term "heart failure" makes it sound like the heart is no longer working at all, and there is nothing that can be done. Actually, heart failure means the heart is not pumping as well as it should.
Your body depends on the heart's pumping action to deliver oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the body's cells. When the cells are nourished properly, the body can function normally.
With heart failure, the weakened heart can't supply the cells with enough blood. This results in fatigue and shortness of breath. Everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying groceries can become very difficult.
Heart failure is a serious condition, and usually there is no cure. But many people with heart failure lead a full, enjoyable life when the condition is managed with medications and healthy lifestyle changes.
The American Heart Association lists certain risk factors for heart disease. They are classified into those you can change and those you cannot change.
Risk Factors that cannot be changed:
- Age - The older we get, the more prone we are to developing heart disease
- Gender - Males are still at risk, but the women are catching up
- Positive family history - Those with a family member who developed heart disease at age 55 or younger are more prone to developing heart disease themselves
Risk Factors that can be changed or modified:
- High blood pressure - Ideal blood pressure is less than 120/80
- Diabetes - Keeping blood sugars under control lessens risks of heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Stress
- Smoking - Quitting can be tough, but it is not impossible
- Sedentary lifestyle - Maintaining an active lifestyle, helps lower blood pressure, cholesterol and stress. It also helps you to lose weight.
It is important to remember that you are not alone. An estimated 5.7 million Americans are living with heart failure. It is helpful to have the support of family and friends who understand your condition--and that is where we fit in.
Southwest General offers award-winning care to those with heart failure. Our team provides education and support to our patients and families.
A heart failure nurse clinician is available to answer health-related questions or concerns at 440-816-4388. Additionally, you can call Southwest General's Heart & Vascular Institute's nurse practitioners 24 hours a day for FREE at 1-877-SWG-BEAT (794-2328).
Let us care for you!
For more information, visit:
American Heart Association or call 1-800-AHA-USA-1
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
American Diabetes Association or call 1-800-DIABETES
National Health Information Center or call 1-800-336-4797