Health Care Archive - Page 485 of 1479 - Home Health Patient Education

Measures to be Followed to Prevent Worsening of Dilated Cardiomyopathy-1

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding measures to prevent worsening of dilated cardiomyopathy as follows: Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday blood pressure and heart rate readings. Report to your physician regarding any consistent systolic readings below 90 and above 160. Report consistent diastolic readings below 60 and above 90. Report any consistent heart rate readings below 55 and above 100. Observe compliance with all cardiac medications, as prescribed. Individuals with history of co-existing thyroid disorders [...]

Complications of Dilated Cardiomyopathy-3

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding complications of dilated cardiomyopathy as follows: Blood clot formation: Compromised heart function with fluid back-up, in individuals with cardiomyopathy, can increase the risk for blood clot formation. A case of coexisting arrhythmia can increase the risk for clot significantly. These blood clots floating in circulation can be deposited in any vital organ as emboli, obstruct the blood flow, and can result in serious complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Compromised [...]

Complications of Dilated Cardiomyopathy-2

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding complications of dilated cardiomyopathy as follows: Heart failure: Persistent back-up of fluid in the heart chambers can lead to increased workload on the heart, progressive deterioration of heart function, further weakening of heart muscle, and heart failure. Patients can present with symptoms of heart failure, such as, fluid retention in the chest leading to difficulty in gas exchange in the lungs, swelling of the extremities with pitting edema, and grossly limited [...]

Complications of Dilated Cardiomyopathy-1

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding complications of dilated cardiomyopathy as follows: Hypotension: Reduced output of blood from the heart can result in low blood volume in circulation, low blood pressure, and hypotensive symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness. Also, reduced blood supply to brain, secondary to hypotension and reduced output from heart, can contribute to altered level of consciousness. Eventually, this increase risk for falls and accidents. Exacerbation of SOB: Reduced output of oxygenated blood from the [...]

Findings to Watch for in Individuals with History of Dilated Cardiomyopathy-3

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding findings to watch for and report with dilated cardiomyopathy as follows: Compromised renal function: Progressively reduced blood supply to the kidneys can result in deterioration of renal function, diminished urine output, increased fluid and waste retention, and renal failure. Diminished urine output with increased fluid retention can result in acute weight gain and increased load on already failing heart, which can further complicate the outcome. Try peeing into an urinal periodically, [...]