Understanding   CHF  IN THE KNOW What is CHF? It’s Congestive Heart Failure, a condition in which the pumping action of the heart is weak.  This means that the heart is trying, but it just can’t push blood quickly enough throughout the body.  As a result, the body doesn’t get the oxygen and nutrition it needs to function.  Without enough oxygen in their bodies, people with CHF often get tired very easily.  Their hearts are failing. What does "congestive" mean? Heart failure is congestive when blood backs up instead of flowing forward.  (Imagine watching four lanes of cars trying to drive into a two lane tunnel.  Traffic will certainly back up and be congested!)  When the heart is weakened by age or damaged by illness, it doesn’t pump as efficiently.  It has a hard time keeping the blood pumping forward.   Often, some of the blood “backs up” in to the lungs and other tissues, causing fluid to build up.   Congestion and edema develop. How can people still be alive if they have "heart failure"? Someone with respiratory failure has stopped breathing and will die within minutes without medical attention, right?  But heart failure is usually a slow, gradual process. Some people live for many years with heart failure. Inside this issue: Heart Facts 2 Causes of CHF 3 Treatments for CHF 4 CHF Facts 5 More CHF Facts 6 On the Job Tips 7 CHF Resources 8 © 1999 In the Know, Inc. 306 Brandermill Drive Durham, NC  27713 877-809-5515 www.knowingmore.com May be copied for use within each physical location that purchases membership in the Inservice Club.  Any other copying or distribution is strictly prohibited. T h e   I n s e r v i c e   C l u b   f o r   N u r s i n g   A s s i s t a n t s  With CHF, the heart is failing to do its job--causing the lungs to develop congestion.