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Manage your CHF with help from Griffin Hospital

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) can be a debilitating chronic illness if it’s not managed correctly or consistently.

The CHF Prescription for Wellness Program is part of the Griffin Hospital’s Center for Prevention and Lifestyle Management, which offers health education, support and coaching to help prevent and manage chronic diseases and take active steps to increase vitality.

What is The CHF Prescription for Wellness Program? Griffin Hospital’s free CHF Prescription for Wellness Program helps those with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) stay well by giving them a better understanding their condition and by equipping them with skills and strategies to stay healthy and avoid preventable hospital admissions. Our staff will provide you and your family with all of the necessary tools and information to help you maintain your best level of health.

Benefits of the CHF Prescription for Wellness Program Our highly trained and experienced registered nurses work closely with your physician, providing updates, if necessary, after each visit and collaborating with your physician to decide the best course of action to help you maintain your health. We provide free weekly health screenings, personalizing your care to meet your needs, and helping you achieve your individual health goals.

Prescription for Wellness and other CHF resources

Learn more about the CHF Prescription for Wellness Program or call to make your appointment today. 203-732-7200

Additional CHF resources at Griffin Hospital

• Cardiac Rehab/Fitness Center
• Pharmacy
• Social Worker
• Health Resource Center
• Dietary
• Spiritual Care

CHF: What you should know

What is CHF?

CHF, or Congestive Heart Failure, is a condition where the heart cannot pump the blood well.  As a result, the blood doesn’t flow well. Fluid leaks out of your blood vessels and backs up in the lungs and legs causing edema (excessive swelling).

Do you have CHF?

Answer the questions below with a yes or no if the symptom is not getting better and is not a part of the normal aging process.

  1. Do you have swelling in your ankles or shins that is evident when the skin is pressed with your finger?
  2. Do you have swelling in your knee area that is evident when the skin is pressed with your finger?
  3. Do you experience shortness of breath when walking quickly?
  4. Is there shortness of breath while at rest?
  5. Do you feel that you need 2 or more pillows to avoid shortness of breath?
  6. Do you have to sleep upright to avoid shortness of breath?
  7. Do you gain 3 or more pounds in one day or 5 or more pounds in a week?

If you said YES to one or more of the above questions, please contact and be examined by your
Primary Care Physician Or Heart Specialist

What are the Signs & Symptoms of CHF?

No one sign or symptom indicates CHF but if you have any of these signs or symptoms, be sure to be examined by your physician and discuss your concerns.

During your stay with us at Griffin Hospital, we will help you by

How Do I Take Care of Myself?

CHF CANNOT BE CURED, but it can be managed effectively. Taking good care of yourself is the best way to slow the progress of the disease. Maximize your heart health to encourage better blood flow and minimize fluid retention through exercise and diet modifications.

Diet and Nutrition

Griffin Hospital offers diet and nutrition consultations with registered dietitians who can discuss your medical needs and help you determine the best food and nutrition plan for you. Learn more and schedule your appointment today.

Activity and Exercise

Exercise will:

Griffin Hospital offers medically supervised fitness programs. Learn more about the Wellness for Life Program and schedule and appointment to speak with an Exercise Physiologist today.

Medication Management:

If you are diagnosed with and being treated for CHF, you’ll be prescribed a fluid pill. You need to take these fluid pills exactly as prescribed and monitor your weight and swelling, reporting fluctuations to your doctor.  Fluctuations may require an adjustment in your medication.

Weight Management:

Because CHF can cause sudden weight gain due to fluid build-up, you’ll be asked to:

TO DO list for CHF:

Smoking and drinking make your heart work harder and this makes your heart weaker which makes all of your CHF symptoms worse.

Keep Track of Your Results:

If you have CHF, you should have a chart that you are using to track your daily swelling tests. If swelling reaches your knees, call your doctor.

Prevent your CHF Symptoms from Getting Worse